Memphis STEPS

Biopsychosocial Risk Factors 

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety 

disorders and certain personality disorders 

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders 

• Hopelessness 

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies 

• History of trauma or abuse 

• Some major physical illnesses 

• Previous suicide attempt 

• Family history of suicide 

Environmental Risk Factors 

• Job or financial loss 

• Relational or social loss 

• Easy access to lethal means 

• Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence 

Socialcultural Risk Factors 

•  Lack of social support and sense of isolation 

• Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior 

• Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment 

• Certain cultural and religious beliefs (for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma) 

• Exposure to, including through the media, and influence of others who have died by suicide