Many factors increase the risk for suicide. These factors are separated into three categories: biopsychosocial, environmental, and sociocultural.

Biopsychosocial

Biopsychosocial causes account for most suicides and attempted suicides. These causes include mental health disorders such as:

depression

bipolar disorder

schizophrenia

anxiety disorders

personality disorders

Additional biopsychosocial causes include:

substance abuse

childhood abuse or trauma

family history of suicide

previous suicide attempts

having a chronic disease

Environmental

Environmental factors that increase the risk for suicide often occur due to a stressful life event. This may include the loss of a person, pet, or job. Other causes include:

social loss, such as the loss of a significant relationship

access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs

being exposed to suicide

being a victim of harassment, bullying, or physical abuse

Sociocultural

One of the main sociocultural causes of suicide is the feeling of being isolated or of not being accepted by others. Feelings of isolation can be caused by sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and gender identity.

Other possible suicide catalysts in this category include:

difficulty seeking help or support

lack of access to mental health or substance abuse treatment

following belief systems that accept suicide as a solution to personal problems

exposure to suicidal behavior

highest and lowest suicide rates