Railroad Suicide Prevention - Assess

Risk Factors

  • Previous history
  • Mental health disorders
  • Serious medical conditions
  • Drug or alcohol dependence
  • Impulsivity
  • Trauma
  • Abuse
  • Hopelessness

Verbal Clues

Indirect

  • "I just want to stop the pain."
  • "My family would be better off without me."
  • "Who cares if I鈥檓 dead anyway."
  • "I wont be around much longer."
  • "I just want out."

Direct

  • "I wish I were dead."
  • "I going to commit suicide."
  • "I鈥檓 going to end it all."
  • "I cant go on like this."

Behavioral Indicators

  • Previous history
  • Owning or buying a gun
  • Putting affairs in order
  • Giving away possessions
  • Sudden interest in religion

Other Behaviors

  • Anger, aggression
  • Sleeping too much
  • Withdrawing

Situational Triggers

  • Being fired
  • A recent move
  • Loss of any major relationship
  • Death of a spouse, child, or friend
  • Loss of freedom or fear of punishment
  • Loss of financial security
  • Fear of becoming a burden to others
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Feeling of being trapped or cornered