Guide :: Abuse :: Suicide Threat
Suicide Threat
The Surgeon General stated that there are far more suicides per year than homicides (over 50%), and suicide is the ninth leading cause of death. According to the Surgeon General, there are certain groups more likely to attempt suicide, specifically those with mental and/or substance abuse disorders, but suicide victims include the entire spectrum of population from children to the elderly. Some risk factors are:
- Previous suicide attempt
- Mental disorders—particularly mood disorders such as
depression and bipolar disorder
- Co-occurring mental and alcohol and substance abuse disorders
- Family history of suicide
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Relational, social, work, or financial loss
- Physical illness
- Easy access to lethal methods, especially guns
- Unwillingness to seek help because of stigma attached to mental and substance abuse disorders and/or suicidal thoughts
- Influence of significant people—family members, celebrities, peers who have died by suicide—both through direct personal contact or inappropriate media representations
- Cultural and religious beliefs—for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Local epidemics of suicide that have a contagious influence
- Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
Section Topics:
 What are my responsibilities to report a suicide threat?
How do I report a suicide threat?
Protocol and consent form additions
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Guide :: Abuse :: Suicide Threat |
