The chart above is not an exhaustive list of risk factors for each category, and more risk factors are possible, such as previous suicide attempts, legal concerns, loss of a loved one, and unemployment. Even where someone lives, such as rural vs urban, can be a part of one's risk factors for suicidal thoughts. Note that while having many of these risk factors can increase one's chances, they do not guarantee that the person will consider dying by suicide.    

If you believe your loved one may be having suicidal thoughts, it is essential to stay calm when discussing your concerns. Note that discussing suicide with someone will not give them the idea to attempt it. If they’re already considering it, talking about it won’t innately make it worse. Address any warning signs or risk factors you’ve noticed and ask them if they have considered suicide. If they discuss their emotions with you, listen to them without judgment. You should never debate or lecture them on whether suicide is right or wrong. Instead, offer alternatives and hope. 

If someone you care about asks you to keep their thoughts a secret, don’t promise to do so. Instead, seek support and offer them places they can go to get help. If they get upset that you won’t keep their secret, remind them how grateful you are that they confided in you and that you want to help them not feel this way. After your initial conversation, continue to follow up with them. Something as simple as a message or discussion can let them know you care. 

It is vital to remove easy-to-access methods of suicide. The act of removing these methods is known as lethal means safety and is an evidence-based method to prevent suicide. When someone is considering suicide, they may impulsively act on this thought. However, when they don’t have easy access, there is more time and space between the suicidal thoughts and a lethal method. This extra time can lead to your loved one reconsidering and seeking help.

If you’re concerned about losing a loved one to suicide, we’re here to help you spot the warning signs. Suicide attempts don’t come out of the blue, but if you’re not looking for the signs you can miss them.

People who are considering suicide may become isolated and express feelings of hopelessness. Increased symptoms of anxiety, anger, and mood swings are also common. They may talk or post on social media about wanting to die or make plans for suicide, which could include looking for ways to access lethal methods.

Youths may have the above signs before they attempt to die by suicide, but they can also express different warning signs. These may include changes in social connections, sleep, or other out-of-character behaviors. 

People who die by suicide may use several methods. Some methods are frequently found in men, while others are more common in women. The differences may be due to the cultural expectations of each gender, leading men to choose more violent and lethal methods, while women may be likely to select less extreme ones as a way to ask for help.

Men are more likely to use the following methods:

While women are more likely to use these methods:

While these are the most common methods of dying by suicide for each specific gender, they’re not the only ways suicide can happen. If you can think of it, there is likely someone who has utilized it as a means of suicide.

Suicidal ideation is any thoughts you might have that involve harming yourself to die. They may be passive thoughts, or they could be associated with a plan. 

Not necessarily. While the majority of people who have thoughts of suicide also have depression or another mental health condition, it is not always the case. Thoughts of suicide may be associated with situational circumstances in their personal life that are not associated with depression. 

First, talk with your loved one with care and without judgment. Discuss with your loved one in a calm manner the concerns you have, and do not lecture them about whether suicide is right or wrong. Talking about suicide will not put the idea into their heads if they are not already considering it. Remove any objects they could use to harm themselves, and offer suggestions of places they can go for help. Remember to follow up with them afterward, as this can show them you care and are willing to be there for them.