Basic Definitions
Suicide
Death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die.
Suicide Attempt
When someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.
Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)
Self-injurious behavior not associated with intent to die. Intent for NSSI may be to relieve distress, communicate feelings, etc.
Risk Factors
Characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to end their life.
Warning Signs
Often looks or sounds like a sudden, significant change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. The new or changed behavior can be related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Protective Factors
characteristics or conditions that reduce a risk factor’s impact or decrease the chance that a person may try to end their life.
Coping Skills
An action, set of actions, or thought process that decreases tension and anxiety in a stressful or unpleasant situation. Coping skills can be both positive (i.e., adaptive), for example, taking time to meditate or exercise in the middle of a hectic day; or negative (i.e., maladaptive, avoidant).