> When in doubt, seek immediate emergency behavioral health care by calling
the Salish Regional Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day at 1-888-910-0416.
This number also connects you to local resources. The National Suicide Lifeline is available at 8-6-6.
> If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact 911.
> To get help and advice via CHAT, go to
ImHurting.org.
Suicide Risk Factors
There are several risk factors associated with an increased risk of suicide. These include:
- Psychiatric or substance use disorders
- Feelings of hopelessness
- The end of a relationship (e.g. divorce, breakup)
- Impulsive tendencies
- A history of Physical or sexual abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Some medical illnesses
- Access to lethal means of suicide
Suicide Protective Factors
In addition to the risk factors above, there are protective factors that may decrease the risk of suicide in some cases;
- Access to effective treatment
- Restricted access to lethal means
- A sense of connectedness to community and family
- Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
- Cultural or religious beliefs that encourage self-preservation and discourage suicide
Acute Warning Signs of Suicide
- Contact an emergency behavioral health professional immediately.
- Threats to harm him/herself or talk about doing so
- Seeking out or researching suicide methods and means
- Talking or writing about suicide and death
Other Warning Signs of Suicide
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Isolation
- Increased substance us
- Guilt, shame, or self-hatred
- Talking about death or suicide
- Refusing help
- A feeling that things are inevitable
- A sudden sense of calm
- Giving away items and or pets
- No sense of purpose
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Felling trapped-like there's no way out
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes
