Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo

  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • ADHD
      • Abandonment Issues and Neglect
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Chemical Dependency
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Codependency
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR
      • Grief and loss Counseling
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Lifespan Integration Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Psychological Testing
      • PTSD
      • Relationship Issues
      • Sex And Porn Addiction
      • Sexual Abuse
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Christian Counseling for Children
        and Teens
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery
        Group
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
    • Sex And Porn Addiction
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • Anacortes 1Anacortes
    • Bellevue
    • Bothell 8Bothell
    • Bellevue Christian Counseling 1Edmonds
    • Everett 8Everett
    • Federal Way
    • Kent 2Kent
    • Kirkland Christian CounselingKirkland
    • Lacey Christian CounselingLacey
    •  1Mill Creek
    •  1Monroe
    • Oak Harbor Office OutsideOak Harbor
    • Poulsbo
    •  1Puyallup
    • Redmond 3Redmond
    • Seattle Ballard 6Seattle Ballard
    •  1Seattle Downtown
    • Seattle Greenlake 10Seattle Greenlake
    • Silverdale Office FrontSilverdale
    • Tacoma 6Tacoma
    •  1Spokane
    • Spokane ValleySpokane Valley
    • Vancouver
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (425) 939-6856Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide

Bellevue Christian Counseling
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/risk-factors-and-warning-signs-of-suicide-4.jpg 1000 750
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bellevue.jpg
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-cropped-seattle-logo.png
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes

Jul
2014
08

Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide

Erik Mildes

AnxietyChristian Counseling for Children and TeensCounseling for TeensDepressionMarriage CounselingSexual Abuse
Image-1We all live with emotional distress. That is part of life. The question is how do we choose to deal with our distress? Why are some individuals able to live with distress for long periods of time while others find themselves contemplating suicide? How can we tell when someone is contemplating suicide and how can we intervene? There is no doubt that suicide is a complicated issue. With the help of Cobain’s book Dying to Be Free, this article will look at the risk factors and warning signs of suicide while offering practical tips for how to help others.

There is no single common denominator and no one way to determine exactly who is at risk for a suicide attempt. Although every situation looks a bit different, there are some common characteristics and circumstances found in those who contemplate and carry out suicide.

Common Traits Among Those Who Attempt Suicide

  • Perfectionist
  • High achievement
  • Fear of failure
  • Low self-esteem
  • Hopelessness
  • Childhood trauma
  • Prior suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Effects of father figure
  • Talent or high intelligence
  • Tendency to question life’s meaning

The following are warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Although they are sometimes subtle, each of these signs can be helpful in determining those who are at risk of suicide. It is important to keep in mind that suicidal people may display all, or few, or none of the below behaviors making in difficult to pinpoint those who will follow through on suicide.

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors of a Potential Suicide Attempt

  • Previous attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Conflicts
  • Shift in behavior and/or substance use
  • Withdrawal
  • Recent meaningful loss
  • Hopelessness and helplessness
  • Anxiety
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Preparing for death
  • Sudden lifting of mood

What can I do?

If you think someone you know is contemplating suicide, the simplest and best way to find out is to ask direct questions. Here are a few suggestions that Cobain suggests in her book:

  • “I am wondering if you ever think about ending your life?”
  • “Sometimes people who have experienced what you are going through consider taking their life. Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • “Have you been having suicidal thoughts?”
  • “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Image-2It is essential that you do not ask about suicide in a negative way. Some examples of questions that should be avoided are, “You aren’t thinking about suicide are you?” or “You aren’t thinking of doing anything stupid are you?” If you ask questions with this kind of tone you may cause shame and it may appear that you aren’t prepared to handle the difficult truth. That person will most likely avoid talking to you about their concerns. It is also important to avoiding beating around the bush and instead be very specific. Avoid asking questions about “hurting oneself” and instead ask specifically about “killing oneself”.

Some other important issues to consider:

What if the answer is “yes”?

  • Do not panic
  • Do not judge
  • Listen calmly
  • Silence is ok. Just listen and keep listening
  • Do not argue
  • Do not try to “fix”
  • Do not be sworn to secrecy about anything
  • Do not discount feelings
  • Be caring and compassionate
  • Ask if he/she has a plan

What if they have a plan?

If the suicidal person has a specific plan, you should ask further questions about that plan such as “How will it happen?” and “When will it happen?”

Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about that plan. If this person has obtained the means to act upon the plan, you should be ready to take further steps immediately. For example, it is a good idea to ask that person to give the item or items they intend to use against themselves to you or to another person. Sometimes these items include a gun, pills, rope or a car. Offer your assistance to help them find other options such as a parent, sibling or friend. If there isn’t a person you may need to suggest calling 911, a local crisis line or an emergency room. Do not leave that suicidal person if he/she has a plan unless that person has someone to care for them. If for any reason you are unable to do these things you should immediately ask a trusted adult, family member or professional for assistance. It is essential that you help the person in crisis find help regardless.

We will never prevent all suicides but in understanding the warning signs and risk factors we can raise our own awareness. In understanding what to do and what questions to ask, perhaps we will increase our ability to intercede and save lives.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or if you are concerned about someone who is, I encourage you to be courageous and take the first step and ask for help. If it is an emergency you need to call 911, the local crisis line, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). You may also consider reaching out to your doctor or psychiatrist.

Reference

Cobain, B. and Larch, J. (2006). Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide For Families After a Suicide. Hazeldon Foundation: Center City, Minnesota.

Photos

Images are courtesy of MorgueFile.com and both by Pippalou: The photo of the dripping pine, DSCN0351.jpg and DSCN2024.jpg.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Erik Mildes
Erik is currently not accepting new clients

Erik Mildes

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor
(425) 939-9934 erik@seattlechristiancounseling.com

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. Read more articles by Erik »

Other articles that might interest you...

spacer

spacer

A Christian Counselor Shares Six Myths About Suicide
Bellevue Christian Counseling

A Christian Counselor Shares Six Myths ...

  There is no doubt that suicide is a very complicated topic. With the most recent suicide involving mass murderer Elliot...

continue reading »

About Erik

Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes, MA, LMHC

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. View Erik's Profile

Recent articles by Erik

  • May 12 · Keeping Your Marriage from Being a Casualty of Porn Addiction
  • Sep 1 · Social Anxiety and the Need to Belong
  • Jun 13 · Understanding Depression
See all articles by Erik »

Related Services

  • Anxiety
  • Christian Counseling for Children and Teens
  • Counseling for Teens
  • Depression
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Sexual Abuse

Erik's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Bothell office

    Bothell

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (425) 939-7959
    10116 Main St,, Suite 204 Bothell, WA 98011

    View Office Details

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo
Bellevue Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors experienced in helping people of all ages find healing for a wide variety of issues.
© 2023 Bellevue Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
330 112th Ave NE,, Bellevue, WA 98004. Tel (425) 939-6856.
Facebook Twitter Online Counseling About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!
COVID-19 Service Update: We are still open for business. In office and online counseling is available if needed.