HIGH RISK FACTORS

High risk factors are simply factors or circumstances in the life of a person that make them vulnerable to the risk of self-destructive behavior. We must be vigilant with the emotional (includes mental and spiritual) and physical health of our youth. Much of it is common sense. In order to identify sudden changes in their behavior patterns, for example, we have to be familiar with what their normal "patterns" are.
The risk factors that follow are not all-inclusive or presented in any particular order:

Has previously attempted suicide
Is a victim of domestic violence, child abuse, rape, or other assault
Is a victim of incest
Expresses a desire to die
Demonstrates sudden changes in their normal behavior or attitude
Exhibits dare-devil or self-destructive behaviors
Is disconnected or alienated from family, community, or culture
Withdraws socially from family, relatives, friends, and teachers
Is experiencing underachievement in school
Drops out of school or changes classes often
Has known a family member, relative, or friend who has completed suicide
Is involved with alcohol or drug abuse or has a family member involved with alcohol or drug abuse
Has had a recent significant loss or it is the anniversary of a significant loss
Suddenly appears peaceful during a crisis
Has diminished interest in usual pursuits
Leaves poems, diaries, drawings, or letters to be found
Expresses hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, and confusion
Arranges to give away prized possessions
Experiences a broken or difficult love affair
Must confront unrealistic personal or parental expectations
Has disintegrating family relationships
Does not have a meaning and/or purpose in life
Moves just after establishing meaningful relationships
Has an inability to develop significant and empathetic relationships
Has very poor impulse control
Has no strength to tackle a problem and is blind to any way out

There are several high risk factors that require further discussion:

THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS: Alcohol is a depressant and we are often impulsive when using. Over 70% of the suicides, deaths by automobile accidents, and violence takes place when people are drinking. After a heavy bout of drinking, a person is particularly high risk when they are sobering up/coming down and frequently feel guilty/shameful over some perceived, or real, transgression.

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE, ESPECIALLY INCEST: Victims of sexual abuse feel "soiled" and feel they are not worthy, or feel they are at fault (guilt), even though they are the victims. Sexual abuse by parents or family members (incest) is very tragic. Sexual abuse by "authority" figures, i.e., teachers, doctors, and priests (elders and healers) is particularly damaging. A sacred trust is broken and can rarely be repaired.

HAS WITNESSED A SUICIDE: Witnessing a suicide, or even finding the body, is a terrible assault on the psyche. The person becomes a very high risk for committing suicide themselves. There is horror, shame, guilt and fear. They cannot get away from it. The image is carried within themselves. They experience trauma and are in shock, i.e., post-traumatic stress syndrome. Also, now there is an unhealthy coping model established, i.e., "copycat" or "clustering" suicides.

HAS UNRESOLVED GRIEF OR LOSS:

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