Suicide Facts, Behavior & Risk Factors

FACTS

  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24.
  • Every 13.7 minutes a person dies from suicide
  • An ATTEMPT is made every minute (million a year)
  • Statistics provided by CDC.GOV

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR

  1. Attempted self-harm or self-injury
    • Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
    • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means.
  2. Extreme feelings of loss or hopelessness
    • Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
    • Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out.
    • Seeing no reason for living, or having no sense of purpose in life.
  3. Changes in Mood and Behavior
    • Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge.
    • Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
    • Increasing alcohol or drug use.
  4. Isolating Oneself
    • Withdrawing from friends, family and society.
    • Feeling anxious, agitated or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.
  5. Putting Affairs in Order
    • Calling friends or family to say goodbye.
    • Tying up loose ends. Selling off possessions.
    • Making changes to a will.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

  • Loss of interest in most activities.
  • Significant unintentional change in weight or appetite.
  • Decreased energy, chronic fatigue or tiredness, feeling exhausted.
  • Feelings of excessive guilt.
  • Feelings of low self-esteem, low self-confidence, or worthlessness.
  • Avoidance of normal family or social contacts.
  • Frequent agitation, restlessness.
  • Psychologically or emotionally detached.
  • Decrease in activity, effectiveness, or productivity.
  • Being easily moved to tears.

RISK FACTORS

  • Mental disorders such as: Depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, alcohol or substance abuse or dependence, schizophrenia, borderline or antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder (in youth), anxiety disorders, impulsivity and aggression.
  • Previous suicide attempts.
  • Family history of attempted or completed suicides.
  • Serious medical condition and/or pain.