Skip to site content
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI)

Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Warning Signs

From the American Psychological Association, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-(TALK) or 8255. suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Often those who are thinking about suicide display changes in behavior, sometimes subtle, that offer clues about their plans.

  • Unusual preoccupation with (talking, writing or otherwise communicating about) death
  • Gathering tools and/or information that could be used to harm oneself
  • Making efforts to put affairs in order
  • Contacting friends to say goodbye
  • Giving away favorite possessions
  • Loss of interest in favorite things
  • Expression of self-loathing, hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Acting out with dangerous behavior
  • Seeming suddenly happy or calm after a period of sadness or depression

Risk Factors

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Risk factors are elements in a person's life that may increase susceptibility to certain behavior or conditions.

  • Previous attempts at suicide
  • Family history of suicide
  • History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression
  • History of alcohol and substance abuse
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
  • Cultural and religious beliefs
  • Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
  • Physical illness
  • Easy access to lethal methods
  • Barriers to accessing mental health treatment

Additional Risk Factors that are unique to or more common among AI/AN populations

From the Native Suicide Prevention: Approaches, Interventions, and Responses For An International StrategyExit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov [PPT - 5.75 MB]

  • A history of interpersonal violence/abuse
  • Unwillingness to seek help because of stigma related to mental health, substance abuse disorders, or suicidal thoughts
  • Unemployment
  • Alcohol misuse/abuse
  • Economic instability and social disintegration
  • Perceived discrimination
  • Isolation on reservations, feeling cut off from other people
  • Local epidemics of suicide (called "Suicide Clustering")
  • Historical trauma and unresolved grief