With the month of September being National Suicide Prevention Month we want to share some information on the most common risk factors leading to suicide, protective preventative factors for suicide, and a list of resources to use if you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Risk Factors Leading to Suicide
Exposure to trauma, response/reaction to trauma, and how trauma is processed are directly correlated to a suicide attempt.
Negative engagement by others due to a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Depression – issue of hopelessness and not being able to see your way out.
Substance abuse.
Being bullied or enduring a hostile work or home environment.
Experiencing life-changing situations – job loss, death of a friend or family member, relationship break-up.
Protective Factors Preventing Suicide
For The Individual at Risk:
Feeling comfortable in your emotions knowing that they are temporary.
Having a trusted mental health provider when stress, depression, or overwhelming emotions are present for more than several weeks.
Exercising – physical movement for 20 – 30 minutes, three times a week.
Gaining coping skills.
Having spirituality or a belief in a higher power.
For Family and Friends of Individuals at Risk:
Get Educated and gain awareness about signs of depression, suicide ideation.
Create intentional safe spaces for those with mental health challenges.
Listen without always having a solution if the person discusses their issues.
Ask the person directly if they are thinking of harming themselves with a non-judgmental disposition
Resource Information
24/7 Call/Text Hotlines: 800-273-8255, 800-784-2433
Online Chat: https://imalive.org
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org
CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) to analyze national, state, and local youth risk behaviors
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