There are common risk factors of youth suicide. Recent research has shown that most youth suicides are the result of an interaction between biological, psychological, socio-cultural and family factors. A suicidal act can be seen as the result of an interaction between these factors. Generally, they only come to light after a significant life event happens in a youth that touches off thoughs of or attempts at suicide.
- Mood changes or depression
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Disruptlve and unsupportive family background
- Relationship conflicts
- Poor coping skills
- Psychiatric illnesses
- Previous attempts
- Ready availability of lethal means to commit suicide
- recent bereavement
- chronic physical illness
- anniversary phenomenon (of past losses or major life events)
- early loss experiences
- school failure
- chronic unemployment
- perfectionists and over-achievers who have high expectations of themselves
