People of any age can commit suicide. However, extensive research has shown certain characteristics make a person more likely to attempt suicide and the problem is more prevalent in certain population segments. 

Here’s what research tells us about people who are more likely to commit suicide:

• War Veterans: People who have experienced the trauma of a battlefield decide to take their lives at a higher rate than regular civilians. The suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher with 20 veterans on average committing suicide every day in the US. 
• People Who Attempted Suicide Before: Those who have previously been prevented from taking their life are likely to try again, especially if their circumstances have not changed for the better since. While 1 in 10,000 individuals in the general public commits suicide, the rate steeps to over 10% among people who have attempted suicide in the past.
• People Aged 45+: Adults over 45 years of age are also more likely to commit suicide. Because this group has the greatest number of people with undiagnosed mental health problems or individuals who have suffered tremendous grief and loss, they tend to look for an escape through suicide. 
• Teenagers & Young Adults: Due mainly to a number of social limitations, high rate of alcohol and/or drug dependency, minority sexual orientation, and challenges of adulthood, more teens and young adults commit suicide than other population groups.
• Native Americans: American Indian population has about a 20% higher suicide rate than other Americans. Among the teenagers in this population group, girls aged 15 to 19 commit suicide 3 times as often as their Caucasian peers.

If you are worried somebody you know might attempt suicide, look for the following warning signs. These behaviors are telling signs a person is hiding severe depression and may be close to attempting suicide:

• Demonstrating low self-esteem and expressing very low self-worth
• Talking about how they think life is meaningless and has no purpose
• Telling others they feel trapped and in a lot of pain
• Drinking more and using drugs
• Becoming reckless, excessively moody, and constantly anxious
• Either sleep very little or too much

There may be other behaviors that you might find concerning. When you observe any of these signs, talk to your friend and connect them with a professional suicide counselor near you.

Dunamis Wellness Center is a safe haven for people struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you have gone through extraordinary grief or had an experience that is making you question the reason to stay alive, our professional team can help you. We offer: