Risk factors – what to be aware of.

Being aware of risk factors in our lives may make it easier to understand when we, or someone we care about, are struggling. We all go through difficult times, and it can be a healthy reaction to feel negative emotions when facing challenges. Remember, there’s no single “right way” to react, and some of us are more deeply affected by events than others. Everyone is different.

Our genes, life experiences, upbringing, and environment all affect our mental health and influence how we think and respond to situations. It can also depend on how well other parts of our lives are going or how supported we feel.

Beneath you can read some of the different risk factors. If a safety plan is needed for dealing with the crisis, please go and download Minplan HERE. You can also read more about warning signs and triggers HERE

Risk factors

• Previous suicide attempts
• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
• Mobbing
• Mental illness
• Suicidal behavior in the family and among frinds
• Conflict, seperation, or divorce of parents, loss of a parent, or a history of sexual abuse/maltreatment
• Performance problems at school or at work
• Chronic organic illness and physical disability
• Low socioeconomic status
• Divorces
• Life-threatening diseases
• Mental illness

Next should be coping strategies designed specifically for you. As typical as this sounds, meditation, breathing exercises, going for a walk, watching TV, or listening to music can be incredibly grounding.

You also want to include a list of reasons for living. “Those who are suicidal often forget about the positives in their life,” Jette Louise Larsen says. “However, having reasons written out can refocus their attention.” And good safety plans have contact information: for friends, therapists, psychiatrists, and crisis hotlines. My own plan names numerous people I can text, message, or call in order to make me feel better and safer. These are reminders that your network does exist and there are people who want and need you alive.

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