Taken from Erin Bagalman's Congressional Research Service Report "Suicide Prevention Efforts of the Veterans Health Administration, 2013"

  • Some major physical illnesses, mental disorders, and substance use disorders.
  • Barriers to accessing health care.
  • Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior.
  • Easy access to lethal means (e.g., firearms or poison).
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation.
  • Cultural/religious beliefs that accept suicide.