Risk and Protective Factors
Risk Factors:
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) risk factors are characteristics of a person or his or her environment that increase the likelihood that he or she will die by suicide (i.e., suicide risk).
Major risk factors for suicide include:
- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Protective Factors:
Protective factors are personal or environmental characteristics that help protect people from suicide.
Major protective factors for suicide include:
- Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
- Life skills (including problem solving skills and coping skills, ability to adapt to change)
- Hope for the future-optimism
- Strong sense of self-worth or self-esteem
- Family and community support
- Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide
About Suicide – Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention: Help Someone Else
Resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
www.988lifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Text Line offers immediate assistance for veterans, Text 838255
www.veteranscrisisline.net
Crisis Text Line offers 24 hour crisis text support, Text HOME to 741741
www.crisistextline.org