Table 3.

Suicide Risk and Protective Factors^a

Risk Factors:

•Family history of suicide

•Family history of child abuse/neglect

•Previous suicide attempt(s)

•History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression

•History of alcohol and substance use

•Feelings of hopelessness

•Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

•Cultural and religious beliefs (eg, belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal dilemma)

•Local epidemics of suicide

•Isolation

•Barriers to accessing mental health treatment

•Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)

•Socioeconomic disadvantages

•Physical illness or disability

•Easy access to lethal methods

•Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance use disorders or suicidal thoughts

Protective Factors:

•Stable support system within family and friend network

•Stable marriage or partnership

•Stable employment or income source

•Safe housing

•Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes

•Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation

•Health insurance/access to care for mental, physical, and substance use disorders

•Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships

•Purposeful activities (hobbies, volunteer work)

^aModified CDC, 2019²⁴