Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Sucide assessment begins with knowing what to look for.
Posted May 5, 2026 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
While suicidal behavior is complex, thoughts of suicide often result from problems that seem unfixable. Gambling losses, legal issues, relationship problems, academic failures, mental disorders, unemployment, substance abuse , grief , and feelings of being a burden to loved ones can contribute to insurmountable feelings of despair—but not for everyone. Some people are able to manage these challenges while others can’t, and that is more difficult to explain. Just as two people may experience the same horrific event yet only one develops PTSD , so can two people experience similar setbacks yet only one considers suicide.
It's true that some people give no indication they are thinking of killing themselves. The majority do, however, in their words and in their actions. When assessing for risk, it’s important to know whether a person has made one or more previous attempts; has a mental disorder, a substance abuse problem, or a family history of suicide; has experienced a loss of any kind (of a loved one, relationship, job, pet, financial security, house, mobility, or independence); is physically isolated; or has a debilitating illness.
There are also key warning signs. These include:
Other factors that are cause for concern are:
There is a myth that people who talk about suicide won’t really do it. The fact is that before attempting suicide, many individuals make direct statements about their intention to end their lives or less-direct comments about how they might as well be dead or that their family and friends would be better off without them.
Any reference to suicide should be taken seriously. If people don’t respond, the message that a suicidal person hears is that no one cares, making an attempt more likely.
If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, seek help immediately. For help 24/7 dial 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
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John Bateson was executive director of a nationally-certified crisis intervention and suicide prevention center in the San Francisco Bay Area for 16 years.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.