The risk for suicidal behavior is complex. Research suggests that people who attempt suicide differ from others in many aspects of how they think, react to events, and make decisions. There are differences in aspects of memory, attention, planning, and emotion, for example. These differences often occur along with disorders like depression, substance use, anxiety, and psychosis. Sometimes suicidal behavior is triggered by events such as personal loss or violence. In order to be able to detect those at risk and prevent suicide, it is crucial that we understand the role of both long-term factors—such as experiences in childhood—and more immediate factors like mental health and recent life events. Researchers are also looking at how genes can either increase risk or make someone more resilient to loss and hardships.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is, however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

* Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
* A prior suicide attempt
* Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
* Family history of suicide
* Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
* Having guns or other firearms in the home
* Incarceration, being in prison or jail
* Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures

* National Institute of Mental Health

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too.While older adults were the demographic group with the highest suicide rates for decades, suicide rates for middle-aged adults has increased to comparable levels (ages 24–62). Among those age 65+, white males comprise over 80 percent of all late-life suicides.
How can suicide be prevented?
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

For Further Insight:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides help to those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Call 1-800-273-8255 1-800-273-8255 FREE
Available 24 hours everyday

Programs:
Family smart for child and youth mental health
Mind Check
The Mighty
American foundation for sucide