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Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior

  • Previous attempts at suicide, or making suicide plans

  • A family history of suicide

  • Traumatic childhood experiences, including physical or sexual abuse

  • Exposure to another's suicide

  • Discrimination based on race or sexual orientation or gender identity

  • Being the victim of bullying (for example, cyberbullying, social rejection, discrimination, humiliation, disgrace)

  • Work disruption (for example, unemployment) and periods of transition (for example, going from active duty to veteran status, retiring)

  • Financial stress from economic downturns, debt, or underemployment

  • Bereavement or loss (eg, death of family or friends)

  • Relationship conflict (eg, divorce)

  • Legal problems

  • Social isolation

  • Depression (especially when accompanied by anxiety, as part of major depression or bipolar disorder, or associated with recent hospitalization), personality disorders, anorexia or bulemia (in women), schizophrenia, anxiety disorders

  • Medical illness, particularly one that is painful or disabling or affects the brain

  • Aggressive, impulsive, or hostile behavior

  • Feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness (when persistent)

  • Substance or alcohol use disordersincluding alcohol, opioids, and other prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications

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