Risk Factors

Are there particular youth who are more at-risk of suicide?

​Particularly vulnerable are those with a history of:

• Mental disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety and certain personality disorders
•  History of trauma or abuse
• Some major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide​
• Exposure to, including through the media, and influence of others who have died by suicide

• Relational or social loss​​​
• Easy access to lethal means​
• Job or financial loss​
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior​​
• Certain cultural and religious beliefs
• ​​Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment​​