|
Groups At Risk
Males
Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females.
Females
Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as
often as men.
Youth
Adolescents and young adults often experience stress, confusion, and
depression from situations occurring in their families, schools, and
communities. Such feelings can overwhelm young people and lead them to
consider suicide as a resolution.
The Elderly
Suicide rates increase with age and are very high among those 65 years and
older.
Risk Factors
The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk
factors. A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood that
persons will harm themselves. However, risk factors are not necessarily
causes.
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- History of mental disorders, particularly
depression
- History of alcohol and substance abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Family history of child maltreatment
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
- Physical illness
- Easy access to lethal methods
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma
attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders
- Cultural and religious beliefs�for instance, the
belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Local epidemics of suicide
- Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other
people
Protective Factors
Protective factors buffer people from the risks associated with suicide:
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and
substance abuse disorders
- Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions
and support for help seeking
- Family and community support
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care
relationships
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and
nonviolent handling of disputes
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage
suicide and support self-preservation instincts
|
