Patients who are at risk of suicide or who have attempted suicide have certain characteristics such as depression, anxiety, and family history of suicide that may increase their risk level for a suicide attempt. The highest risk age groups for suicide are teenagers and the elderly. Traumatic life events may also increase emotional vulnerability to depression and suicide. Emotions such as lack of hope and loneliness are linked to suicide. When bleak emotions spiral out of control, a patient may become overwhelmed by fear and despair and start to think of suicide.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders such as anxiety or depression are linked to risk for a suicide attempt, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes. Overly aggressive thoughts or behavior may be part of mood disorders and also increase the risk of self harm or suicide. Mood disorders may also lead to drug or alcohol abuse, which depress the emotions and may lead to increased suicide risk.
Isolation
Shyness and a tendency to isolation are sometimes emotional characteristics of a suicidal patient. Patients suffering from depression may isolate themselves from others and alienate others. Eventually social isolation is consistent and may increase risk for suicide.
Thoughts Dwell on Suicide Ideation
Obsessive negative thoughts about suicide ideation or a history of a prior suicide attempt may be a characteristic of a suicidal patient according to the AHRQ. Patients who dwell on negative thoughts and cannot escape feelings of doom may be a risk for suicide.
History
A history of self harm is an indicator of a suicidal patient. Acts such as cuts to the skin and bodily mutilation are a sign a patient's emotions of despair may be leading to self-destructive behavior.
Bleakness
The emotion of a bleak lack of purpose or goals may indicate a teen may be at increased risk of suicide, the U.S. Department of Health and Social Service. (DHSS) reports.
Distress
A patient feeling a lot of distress due to loss of social network is at risk of suicide. Children and teens who move frequently and thus lose their social network and are no longer near extended family may have an increased risk of suicide, the DHSS notes.
