September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time when mental healthcare providers and addiction treatment centers focus on helping individuals who are contemplating self-harm. Suicide and other forms of self-harm are a growing problem in the United States. To bring attention to this grave problem, it is vital that the families and friends of individuals struggling with mental health issues be aware of the many suicide risk factors. In many cases, awareness of these issues is the key to both suicide prevention and making sure that people — especially teens and young adults — get the depression treatment they need.
For the victims of suicide, people close to them, and the medical professionals who treat them, suicide brings with it severe emotional and psychological challenges. If you or a teen or young adult in your life is a risk of committing suicide, reach out to Zelus Recovery online or contact us at 208.518.0797 today.
Common Suicide Risk Factors
Suicide risk factors vary depending on the person and can manifest themselves in different ways, but there are certain commonalities that we can all watch out for. Among these are:
- Having attempted suicide before – Individuals who have tried before may find it easier to try a second time.
- Mental health issues, whether diagnosed or not – These may include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder, to name a few.
- Alcohol or substance use problems – Substance use can lead to behaviors that end in suicide, and individuals with drug and alcohol issues may be using substances to mask mental issues that lead to suicidal behaviors.
- Family history of mental health issues, alcohol or substance abuse problems, or suicide – These conditions are, sadly, often inherited.
- A history of physical or sexual abuse – Individuals who have suffered these kinds of traumatic situations are far more likely to consider and attempt suicide.
- Keeping firearms in the home – There is a high correlation between the number of individuals who keep guns in their homes and the number of individuals who commit suicide with firearms.
- Social isolation – Individuals who are socially outcast or who have withdrawn themselves socially are more likely to attempt suicide.
This list is, of course, by no means complete. But if someone close to you is in any of the above circumstances, it is a good idea to speak to them and to engage professional help if you suspect a problem. A little bit of foreknowledge of these types of situations and of suicide risk factors, in general, can do a long way. If you are unsure if what you are observing constitutes a risk, reach out to mental health professionals at Zelus Recovery by calling us at 208.518.0797.
What Other Signs Might Indicate Suicidal Thoughts?
In addition to the suicide risk factors discussed above, talking, feeling, and acting in specific ways may be indicators that a person is at risk of attempting suicide. As always, it is particularly important to note signs of the following in adolescents and young adults.
Individuals who may be contemplating suicide might talk about:
- Wanting to die
- Feeling as if they are a constant burden on their families or friends
- Their overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame
Individuals who may be contemplating suicide might feel:
- Hopeless, trapped
- Emotionless, disengaged
- That there is no point in living
- Sad, anxious, angry
Individuals who may be contemplating suicide might demonstrate the following behaviors:
- Researching suicide
- Extreme changes in behavior, mood swings
- An increase in risky behavior
- Dramatic changes in sleep patterns
- Giving away personal items
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol, including binge drinking or drug use
Learn More About Suicide Risk Factors at Zelus Recovery Today
If you or a loved one is showing warning signs of suicide, the time to act is now. The dedicated staff at Zelus Recovery can help your adolescent or young adult with suicidal thoughts and a broad range of other behaviors, including drug and alcohol abuse. There’s no better way to participate in World Suicide Prevention Day. Reach out to us today using our convenient, secure online form or call us at 208.518.0797 to learn more.
