1. What are the risk factors for suicide?

The most important thing to remember about suicide is there's rarely one cause. It's often the consequence of multiple adverse events occurring in close proximity to each other. Keeping that in mind, these are the most common risk factors for suicide according to the CDC.

"Family history of suicide. Familial abuse. Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is the solution for a personal dilemma).

Previous suicide attempt(s). Mental illness(es). Alcohol and substance abuse.

Feelings of hopelessness. Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.

Local epidemics of suicide. Social isolation. Loss (relational, social, work, or financial).

Barriers to accessing mental health care (financial or social). Physical illness. Easy access to lethal means."

2. What are the warning signs of suicide?

According to Valley Behavioral, these are the risk factors for suicide.

"Giving away prized possessions. Talking about death, dying. Using phrases such as "'when I'm gone…'" or "'I'm going to kill myself.'"

Getting affairs in order. Saying goodbye to loved ones. Obtaining items needed for suicide attempt.

Decreased social contact. Increasing drug and alcohol usage. Withdrawing from once-pleasurable activities.

Increased risky behaviors."

I'd also like to mention that sudden changes in mood (good or bad) can be a warning sign. It's especially important to remember the "good" part because a common belief is that suicidal people are all doom and gloom.

While this can be true, there are also plenty of instances where people look perfectly happy before their attempt. I learned in QPR gatekeeper training this may be because they've put together their plan for suicide and feel relieved as a result. More on that in the next point!

3. What is QPR Gatekeeper Training?

Glad you asked! "Question, Persuade, and Refer" (QPR) Gatekeeper Training is a 1-2 hour educational program that teaches "gatekeepers" the warning signs of suicide and how to respond. Most college campuses offer these trainings and your license is good for 3-4 years.

I am QPR trained and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how they can prevent suicide in their community.

4. What's the difference between passive and active suicidal ideation?

Passive suicidal ideation involves a desire to die, but no specific plan for doing so. Some people can remain in this state for years on end, but it should still taken be seriously. Not only because it can turn into active suicidal ideation but because it hurts. A lot.

I can only describe being passively suicidal as trying to drive a car with no gasoline in its tank. But that's a story for another post!

Active suicidal ideation involves a desire to die, and a specific plan on how to do so. This is when that QPR training comes in handy, hint hint.

Source: Valley Behavioral

5. What can I do?

Volunteer for a suicide hotline such as Lifeline.

Volunteer as a field advocate for suicide prevention.

Walk to prevent suicide with the ASFP.

Get QPR trained.

Check up on your friends and loved ones.

6. What are some suicide prevention resources?

National Suicide Hotline (800-273-8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741

Lifeline Crisis Chat (1:1 Online Chat, 12pm-12am EST)
http://www.crisischat.org

IMAlive Crisis Chat
https://www.imalive.org

Red para la Prevención del Suicidio USA (24/7 Spanish Speaking Hotline)
888-628-9454

Asian American Suicide Prevention and Education (Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Fujianese)
http://www.aaspe.net
877-990-8585

Boys Town Suicide and Crisis Line (for teens/parents/families)
http://www.boystown.org/national-hotline
800-448-3000

Vet2Vet Veterans Crisis Hotline
http://www.yourlifecounts.org/crisis-line/vet2vet-...
1-877-VET-2-VET (838-2838)

Postpartum Depression Hotline USA
800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667)

Kids Helpline USA
1-877-KIDS-400

Teen to Teen Peer Counseling Hotline USA
877-YOUTHLINE (968-8454)

The Trevor Project USA: LGBTQ Youth 24/7
866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)

You can find even more hotlines here!