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Factors that can increase a person's risk for suicide
Risk Factors for Suicide
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, here are some factors that can increase a person’s risk for suicide:
Health Factors:
- Serious health conditions including pain
- Mental health conditions
- Depression
- Substance use problems
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships
- Conduct disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Environmental Factors:
- Access to lethal means, such as firearms and drugs
- Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
- Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
- Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
- Specific to farming and ranching, exposure to substances, insecticides, and even grain dust may be contributing factors (Source: Dr. Mike Rosman, Ag Behavioral Health)
Historical Factors
- Previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma
Additional Reading on The Issue
The Surprising Reality of Depression and Suicide in the Farming Community - Huffington Post
Is Help Finally at Hand for Suicide Crisis on America's Farms - The Guardian
The Devastating Drought Across the West Could Mean an Increase in Suicide for Farmers - National Public Radio (NPR)