Risk Factors and Protective Factors
People may contemplate suicide for a variety of complex and interconnected reasons, and it’s important to note that each person’s situation is unique. Risk factors for suicide are characteristics or circumstances that increase someone’s likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behaviors. Having risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will attempt suicide.
While it’s impossible to pinpoint a single cause for suicide, several common individual and systemic risk factors are frequently associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These include:
- Mental health issues: Mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders, can significantly increase the risk of suicide. These conditions can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and intense emotional pain. Most people who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition.
- Psychological factors: Some people may experience overwhelming emotional distress or psychological pain that becomes unbearable. They may perceive suicide as a way to escape this pain and suffering.
- Environmental and life stressors: Difficult life circumstances, such as trauma, financial problems, relationship issues, bullying, academic or work-related stress, the loss of a loved one, or a major life change (like a divorce or job loss), can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
- Social isolation: Feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of support can increase the risk of suicide. People who feel disconnected from others may not have access to emotional support or resources.
- Previous suicide attempts: A history of previous suicide attempts is a significant risk factor for future attempts. Individuals who have survived previous attempts may continue to struggle with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Access to lethal means: Easy access to lethal methods, such as firearms or medications, can increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt.
- Lack of access to mental health care: Limited access to mental health services from lack of insurance coverage or ability to pay, geographic challenges, staff shortages, or other causes, or the stigma associated with seeking help can deter individuals from seeking treatment for their mental health issues. Barriers to support and treatment are disproportionately high for people of color and LGBTQ+ identities.
- Family history of suicide: A family history of suicide or a history of suicide among close friends can potentially increase a person’s risk due to genetic, environmental, or learned factors.
- Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug abuse and addiction can impair judgment, exacerbate mental health issues, and increase impulsivity, making people more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and actions. People exposed to others’ substance abuse and addiction can also be negatively impacted, particularly when substance use creates an insecure home environment.
- Perceived burden on others: Some people who contemplate suicide believe they are a burden to their loved ones and think that their death would relieve the perceived burden.
- Cultural and societal factors: Cultural and societal norms, beliefs, and attitudes about mental health and suicide can influence an individual’s willingness to seek help or discuss their struggles openly.
- Impulsivity: Impulsive behavior or a history of impulsive acts increases risk.
- Chronic illness or pain: The stress of chronic physical or emotional pain, particularly when treatment is complicated, unclear or out of reach, can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
- Gender: Men are more likely to die by suicide, while women are more likely to attempt suicide.
- Age: In 2022, the highest rate of suicide was among adults 85 years and older.
- Excessive screen time and sedentary lifestyle: Higher screen time has been associated with higher odds of reporting suicidal behaviors and depressive symptoms.
Protective factors are characteristics, conditions, or factors that can reduce an individual’s risk of suicide.
- Strong social support: Having a network of friends and family who provide emotional support can be protective.
- Access to mental and physical health care: Having access to treatment and support can reduce risk.
- Problem-solving skills: Effective problem-solving skills and coping strategies can help individuals manage stress and adversity.
- Positive life events: Positive life changes, such as marriage or the birth of a child, can be protective.
- Sense of purpose: Having a sense of purpose or meaning in life can be a protective factor.
- Connectedness: Feeling connected to a community, cultural, or religious group can be protective.
- Lethal means safety: Limiting access to lethal methods, such as securing firearms, can reduce risk.
- Food security and access to a quality diet: While more research is needed, healthy eating patterns are associated with better mental health.
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