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LEARN THE WARNING SIGNS.
IDENTIFY RISK FACTORS.
STRENGTHEN PROTECTIVE FACTORS.

 

Understanding suicide warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors can be lifesaving. Recognizing the signs allows us to offer support when it's needed most. Identifying risk factors early provides an opportunity for intervention and support.  Protective factors help strengthen resilience, promote mental wellness, and reduce the likelihood of a crisis. 

WARNING SIGNS:

TALK
   If Someone Talks About.....

  • Killing themselves​​

  • Being a burden to others

  • Feeling hopeless

  • Unbearable pain

  • Having no reason to live

  • Feeling trapped

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  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs

  • Withdrawing from activities

  • Isolating from friends and family

  • Giving away prized possessions

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Fatigue

  • Agression

  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

  • Looking for a way to end their lives​

BEHAVIOR

​

MOOD

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Loss of interest

  • Anger/Agitation

  • Shame/Humiliation

  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

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Education empowers us to 
take action, offer help, and
save lives.
​

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RISK FACTORS:
 

INDIVIDUAL

  • Previous suicide attempt

  • History of mental illnesses

  • Serious Illness such as chronic pain

  • Criminal or legal problems

  • Job or financial loss

  • Substance use

  • Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences

  • Sense of hopelessness

  • Violence victimization

  • Violence perpetration

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RELATIONSHIPS

  • Bullying​​

  • Family or loved one's history of suicide

  • Loss of relationships

  • High conflict or violent relationships

  • Social isolation

COMMUNITY

  • Lack of access to healthcare

  • Suicide cluster in the community

  • Community violence

  • Historical trauma

  • Discrimination

SOCIETAL 

  • Stigma

  • Easy access to lethal means among people at risk

  • Unsafe media portrayls of suicide

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Protective factors play a crucial role in reducing suicide risk and promoting mental well-being. When we strengthen these safeguards, we take a powerful step toward saving lives. 

PROTECTIVE FACTORS:
 

INDIVIDUAL

  • Effective coping and problem solving skills

  • Reasons for living (i.e. family, friends, pets, etc)

  • Strong sense of cultural identity​

  • Self-esteem and a  sense of purpose

RELATIONSHIPS

  • Support from partners, friends, & family

  • Feeling connected to others

  • Feeling connected to community

COMMUNITY

  • Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions

  • Availability of consistent and high quality physical and behavioral healthcare

  • Feeling connected to civic organizations

  • Feeling connected to faith based groups​

SOCIETAL

  • Reduced access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk

  • Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting​

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