Suicide Prevention & Resources
Suicide Prevention & Resources
Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They cannot cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they are important to be aware of. Risk factors include:
- Mental disorders - particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
For more information visit the USBE Suicide Prevention Programs.
Know the Warning Signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following, seek help by calling the 988 Lifeline.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
RESOURCES
Live On: Utah Suicide Prevention
Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools
4 Simple Steps to a Medication-Safe Home
4 Sencillos Pasos para un Hogar Seguro con los Medicamentos
The LIV Project Side Effect of Social Media
Utah Crisis and Suicide Prevention Resources
Recursos de Utah para la Prevención de Crisis y Suicidios
When Firearm Safety and Safe Storage is your Goal
Cuando la Seguridad y el Almacenamiento Seguro de las Armas de Fuego son su Objetivo
Your Child has talked about Ending their Life: What’s Next?