Suicide Prevention, Emotional and Mental Health Support

Development of resilience and frustration tolerance, as well as good coping and problem-solving skills. Religious beliefs may also provide strength and inspiration.

Easy access to places with other people, such as a library or coffee shop. This should be balanced with limited access to means for self-harm, such as drugs, guns, and medication.

Meaningful relationships with people who can offer emotional or material support, or provide distraction. For youth, ensuring a connection with a trusted adult.

A focus on hope, responsibilities to others (such as family and/or pets), and knowing reasons for living (such as contributions, duties, and beliefs about death/dying).

Previous suicide attempts, aborted suicide attempts or self-injurious behavior, a family history of suicide or difficult childhood events.

Stressful life events, triggering events leading to humiliation, shame or despair, financial struggles, deteriorating health, impulsivity, and hopelessness.

Loss of a relationship, family turmoil, social isolation, lack of acceptance for sexual orientation or gender identity, membership in a historically disadvantaged group.

Mental health conditions (anxiety, bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, etc.), substance use disorders, insomnia, a chronic health condition and/or chronic pain.