There is no single cause of suicide. However, there are variables that increase the likelihood that a person might consider, attempt, or die by suicide. Risk factors can be characteristics of an individual or their environment.
- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Mental health conditions (e.g. depression or other mood disorders)
- Exposure to suicide
- Family history of suicide attempts
- Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain
- Trauma history
- Hopelessness
- Access to lethal means
- Social isolation
- Lack of access to behavioral health care
- Stressful life events (e.g. death, divorce, job loss)
- Prolonged stress factors, including bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment
- Stress resulting from prejudice/discrimination in LGBTQIA youth
- Academic, financial, and/or relationship difficulties
