Risk factors are stressful events, situations, and/or conditions that are associated with greater potential for suicide and suicidal behavior. According to the Surgeon General, these include but are not limited to:
- Alcohol and/or substance use disorders
- Past suicide attempts
- Traumatic loss, including suicide loss
- Impulsive and or aggressive tendencies
- Easy access to lethal methods, especially guns
- Chronic pain, illness
- Perceived burdensomeness
- Lack of social support/isolation
- Significant disappointment, humiliation, or loss of status (e.g. break up, arrest)
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