Populations at Higher Risk of Suicide
Which groups are especially at-risk for suicide?
Individuals in these demographic groups are more likely to engage in suicide ideation:
Middle-aged white men, particularly those who have lost traditional stereotypical roles (such as losing a job or getting divorced. Another group of high-risk middle-aged white men are those with traits of toxic masculinity, such as homophobia, aggressiveness, or those who engage in online or physical bullying (or those who are victims of it).
Elderly people, particularly those who have lost a spouse through death or divorce.
People in high-stress professions such as police officers, physicians, and first responders.
Health care providers who work with terminally ill patients, such as those who work in hospice or cancer wards.
LGBTQ+ individuals, especially when faced with significant prejudice or their family has rejected them.
Those experiencing bullying, prejudice, sexism, or racism.
Those with historical trauma, particularly American Indians and Canadian first nations.
Military veterans, particularly those who have experienced combat trauma or have untreated PTSD.
Bereaved friends and family members of a suicide. It does not even have to be a friend or family, but could be someone in the same school, workplace, or have other commonalities.
Migrants and immigrants who have experienced victimization or disaster.
Those who have self-harmed. This might include those who have engaged in cutting, burning, or excessive use of drugs or alcohol.
Those who have attempted suicide, especially those who have had repeated attempts.
Those living with untreated depression or other mood disorders.
Farmers, and those living in rural areas, particularly those who have problematic drinking or abuse of drugs.
Those with repeated psychiatric hospitalizations, particularly after a recent release.
If you have a role in community mental health, it may be helpful to consider special interventions to these groups.
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