September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mental health conditions can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is important to know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.

Risk factors are not limited to, but include:

• mental health conditions such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, and some personality disorders
• alcohol and substance use disorders
• history of trauma or abuse
• major physical illnesses
• loss of job or relationships
• family history of suicide
• previous suicide attempts
• exposure to others who have died from suicide (either via real life or media/internet)
• easy access to lethal means
• lack of social support and feelings of isolation
• stigma associated with asking for help

Warning signs are not limited to, but include:

• talking about wanting to die
• looking for lethal means online or in stores
• talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
• anxiousness and agitation or reckless behaviors
• isolation and withdrawal from loved ones
• extreme mood swings

It can be scary when someone is thinking about suicide. Help is available 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Source: Suicide Prevention Lifeline