Risk Factors for Suicide 
provided by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Biopsychosocial Risk Factors

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
• Some major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide

Environmental Risk Factors

• Job or financial loss
• Relational or social loss
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence

Socialcultural Risk Factors

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior
• Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Certain cultural and religious beliefs (for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
• Exposure to, including through the media, and influence of others who have died by suicide