WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Biological, Psychological and Social Risk Factors for Suicide

* Previous suicide attempt
* Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and certain personality disorder diagnoses
* Alcohol and substance abuse disorders
* Family history of suicide
* History of trauma or abuse
* Hopelessness
* Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
* Some major physical illnesses
* Environmental Risk Factors
* Job or financial loss
* Relational or social loss
* Easy access to lethal means
* Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence

Socio-cultural Risk Factors

* Lack of social support and sense of isolation
* Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior
* Barriers to obtaining access to health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
* Certain cultural and religious beliefs, for instance the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
* Exposure to the influence of others who have died by suicide, including media exposure

Protective Factors in Preventing Suicide

* Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance use disorders
* Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help-seeking
* Restricted access to highly lethal methods of suicide
* Strong connections to family and community support
* Support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
* Learned skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes
* Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation

The proceeding risk and protective factors were obtained from the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action.