Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The impact of suicide in communities makes it a serious public health problem. Men are more than three times more likely than women to take their own lives, and firearms are the most common method. However, suicide is preventable. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs can help. Suicide is often linked to mental disorders, particularly depression. Heavy alcohol use is also an indicator, but the strongest risk factor is a previous attempt.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center defines risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs in this way:

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.
Warning signs indicate an immediate risk of suicide.
Protective factors are characteristics that make it less likely that individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.

Individual, relationship, community and societal factors can all increase the risk of suicide, such as: previous suicide attempt(s), a history of suicide in the family, substance use, access to lethal means, history of trauma or abuse, chronic physical illness, and social isolation.

While a mental health condition may be a contributing factor for many people, other factors can also contribute to suicide. About half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition, or they may have been dealing with mental health challenges that were undiagnosed or unknown to those around them.

Some warning signs of suicidal ideation are: discussion or writing about death, dying or suicide; expressions of having no reason for living; increased alcohol and/or drug use; withdrawal from friends, family and community; reckless behavior, and dramatic mood changes.

A comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention should include such measures as teaching coping and problem-solving skills, expanding options for temporary assistance for those in need, and connecting individuals at risk to effective and coordinated mental and physical health care.

The 988 Suicide Crisis and Lifeline has developed five steps to support someone that may be experiencing suicidal thoughts: 1) ask them if they are thinking about suicide, 2) be there for them, 3)reduce access to lethal means, 4) help them connect with ongoing support, and 5) follow up; give them a call, text them, or visit them to let them know that you are still present. You, as a third party, can make the call and encourage the individual to talk but if they refuse, you will be provided with information that may help in averting the potential suicide.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness and isolation, a suicidal person cannot see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience. Ideally, prevention occurs at all levels: as an individual, through a relationship, within a community, and more broadly, within a society.

Here are four articles for further reading:

“Suicide Prevention,” U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs,

“Suicide Prevention,” Youth.gov,

“A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention,” Suicide Prevention Resource Center,

Here are today’s Wellness Wednesday Program book suggestions: