Suicide is a national crisis. Through your support of the No More Suicide Campaign AFM is directly involved in suicide intervention of those at risk and training thousands to do the same. We are building a culture of community health through
  • Live Online Webinars
  • In class 1 and 2-day workshops
  • Community awareness briefings
  • Direct intervention through AFM Rapid Response Teams
Learn More

What to look for...

Risk factors can be those things over which an individual may have no control such as age, gender, ethnic group, family environment, place of birth, where a person lives. 

Risk factors may also include the things that happen to a person over which they feel they have little control such as bullying, family history of suicide, physical or sexual abuse, diagnoses of physical or mental illness, availability of means to harm, alcohol or substance abuse, incarceration or loss of a job.  

Warning signs are often seen in the behavior of individuals; the things a person may say or do. Warning signs may include the following:
  • Any change in mood (may include overly peaceful or content)
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Loss of interest in normal activities
  • Talking or thinking about death
  • Risky behavior
  • Changing a will or putting affairs in order
  • Comments like “I give up” or “I have no options”
  • Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
  • Talking about suicide
  • Visiting friends or family
  • Giving away things
Studies by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reveal that up to 50% of individuals who die by suicide have had a previous attempt. 

Protective Factors

Protective factors buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behavior and may include:
  • Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
  • Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
  • Family and community support (connectedness)
  • Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
  • Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
  • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation
A study by Princeton funded by The National Institute for Mental Health reported, "Physical activity reorganizes the brain so that its response to stress is reduced and anxiety is less likely to interfere with normal brain function."  

"Faith, family and the local gym where the three keys to rebuilding my own resilience and restoring my hope during the most difficult challenges in my life." Chaplain Kenneth Koon
Thinking of suicide?
Call the National Crisis line
1-800-273-TALK(8255)