Page 10 - Family Guide Final

There are some other clues that can help determine if a youth is at risk for suicide. These clues are known as “risk factors.” While warning signs are more immediate changes in behavior, risk factors are often more stable traits that increase the likelihood of future suicide.
One risk factor that people are most commonly aware of is depression.
Some important risk factors include :
Quick Fact:
Youth who attempt suicide
are 18 times more likely to try it again. What’s even more startling is that these youth are 40 times more likely to die by suicide in the future.
8
Previous suicide attempts
History of substance abuse
History of mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD)
Relationship problems (e.g., con ict with parents and/or boy/girlfriends)
Legal or disciplinary problems
Access to a gun or other harmful means (e.g., pills)
Recent death of a family member or a close friend
Ongoing exposure to bullying
Losing a friend or family member to suicide
Physical illness or disability
By becoming aware and knowledgeable of these warning signs and risk factors, you can be the rst line of defense in preventing youth suicide.