What factors increase the risk of suicide?

Families living with the aftermath of the suicide of a loved one often struggle with many different questions. In addition to juggling things like finding a cleaning company that handles trauma scene cleanup in Orlando, they frequently have questions about why it happened and if there were signs they missed. It is important to anyone dealing with the aftermath of suicide to know that they are not to blame and that a person who is determined to take his or her life will succeed. However, being aware of risk factors for suicide can help families and friends determine if any of their loved ones are more vulnerable to becoming suicidal, so they can stay alert to the symptoms. Here is a closer look at some of the factors that increase the risk of suicide.

Mental Illness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, approximately 90 percent of people who have committed suicide had been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders are some of the illnesses that are most closely associated with increased suicide risk, though having any kind of mental illness is a warning sign that the sufferer could be prone to suicidal ideation.

Chronic Illness

Chronic physical illness can be an important indicator of suicide risk. This is especially true of people with chronic conditions that cause pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and back pain, whether or not the person has been diagnosed with depression that is linked to their health problem.

Gender

Gender plays an important role as a suicide indicator. Women are more likely to attempt suicide but often live to see the aftermath. Men are less likely to attempt suicide, but when they do, they are more likely to complete it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, men die from suicide four times more than women. The risk of completed suicide for men is higher even in the absence of mental health issues.