Infomation on suicide and depression

One or more diagnosable mental (e.g., major depression) or substance abuse disorders

Impulsivity

Adverse life events

Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Prior suicide attempt

Firearm in the home

Incarceration

Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, including family, peers, or in the news or fiction stories

The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are depression, alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and separation or divorce.

The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcohol or other drug use disorder, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.

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How to Help

It is not true that if a person talks about suicide, they will not attempt it. Seriously suicidal people make such comments for a variety of reasons - it is extremely important to take these remarks seriously and help that person seek a mental health evaluation and treatment. A person in crisis may not be aware that they are in need of help or be able to seek it on their own. They may also need to be reminded that effective treatment for depression is available, and that many people can very quickly begin to experience relief from depressive symptoms.

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Suicide Prevention

Studies have shown that the suicide prevention programs most likely to succeed are those with a broader focus on identification and treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, coping with stress, and controlling aggressive behaviors. All suicide prevention programs first need to be tested for efficacy and safety.