Risk factors and behaviors to watch out for that could indicate someone is considering taking their life:

1. Health

• Mental health conditions

• Depression

• Substance use problems

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

• Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships

• Conduct disorder

• Anxiety disorders

• Serious physical health conditions, including pain • Traumatic brain injury — 2. Environmental

• Access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment

• Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss

• Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

• Discrimination — 3. Historical

• Previous suicide attempts

• Family history of suicide

• Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma

• Generational trauma — 4. Protective Factors

• Access to mental health care, and being proactive about mental health

• Feeling connected to family and community support

• Problem-solving and coping skills

• Limited access to lethal means

• Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting and help-seeking, discourage suicidal behavior or create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem — 5. Talk

If a person talks about:

• Killing themselves

• Feeling hopeless

• Having no reason to live

• Being a burden to others

• Feeling trapped

• Unbearable pain — 6. Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods

• Withdrawing from activities

• Isolating from family and friends

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

• Giving away prized possessions

• Aggression

• Fatigue — 7. Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Loss of interest

• Irritability

• Humiliation/shame

• Agitation/anger

• Relief/sudden improvement — 8. Warning Signs

Change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

For immediate help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800273-TALK (8255). In Oklahoma, local resources can be accessed through the Oklahoma Crisis Line at 1-800-522-9054.