Risk Factors
Having this in one's personal or family history significantly increases the risk of suicidal behavior.
What is a history of death by suicide?
This type of connection, whether with family, peers, or community, is considered a protective factor against suicide.
What is a positive connection?
This is what we should do if we feel overwhelmed by a situation involving a person experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What is call for help?
Older adults may be at higher risk of suicide if they experience this type of pain.
What is chronic or unbearable pain?
Talking about suicide with someone will put the idea of suicide into their head, even if it wasn't there before.
Myth
This mental health condition is present in about 90% of people who die by suicide.
What is depression?
This type of belief, whether cultural, religious, or personal, can discourage thoughts of suicide.
What is a belief system that discourages suicide?
This national hotline provides 24/7 support for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
Children and teens may exhibit this behavior as a warning sign of suicidal thoughts.
What is reckless behavior or risky activities?
Women complete suicide more often than men.
Myth. Men complete suicide 3.54x more often than women. Women do attempt suicide more often than men.
This is the risk factor where more than 1 in 3 people who die from suicide are under its influence at the time of death.
What is alcohol intoxication?
Developing this quality, which gives life purpose and direction, can protect against suicidal ideation.
What is self-esteem or a sense of purpose?
This hotline offers free phone support to anyone in Illinois, staffed by wellness specialists with lived expertise.
What is the Illinois Warm Line?
This sudden shift to an unexpected state of calm might indicate a serious risk in someone experiencing long-term depression.
What is a sign that someone may have decided to take their own life?
In most cases, there are warning signs of someone who may attempt suicide.
Fact. In the majority of cases, there are verbal, behavioral, or situational cues that would suggest someone is thinking of suicide. There may be times when there are not many warning signs, but this is rare.
This chronic condition can increase the risk of suicide, especially when combined with social isolation.
What is chronic disease or disability?
A person who actively participates in these types of projects or activities is likely to have stronger protective factors against suicide.
What are school and community projects/activities?
This type of plan includes developing wellness tools, identifying supporters, and creating action plans to manage suicidal thoughts.
What is a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)?
A lack of access to these essential services can increase the risk of death by suicide in individuals.
What are behavioral health services?
People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention and are not likely to go through with it.
Myth. We take all comments and threats of suicide seriously.
Individuals who start stockpiling this item may be at an increased risk of attempting suicide.
What is medication?
Caring for these companions can provide a sense of responsibility and purpose, serving as a protective factor.
What are pets?
During tough times, it is helpful to keep these items in view to maintain focus on what matters most.
What are pictures of favorite people or things?
Experiencing this kind of recent event can elevate the risk of suicide.
What is a recent tragedy or loss?
Self-harm is a clear sign of someone having suicidal thoughts.
Myth. Self-harm, such as cutting, is often a way for an individual to release negative emotions, provide a feeling of control, or utilize it as a form of coping.