Unexpected Warning Signs: 5 Suicide Risk Factors You May Not Realize Are Risk Factors

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please use free resources such as the national crisis hotline by calling or texting 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

TL;DR: Some lesser-known risk factors for suicide include recent release from a psychiatric hospital, starting antidepressant medication, anger, sudden unexplained improvement, and sometimes no visible signs at all.

As part of our Mental Health Awareness series, it’s important to understand that recognizing suicide risk factors may help you notice when someone is struggling. While it is not your responsibility to prevent someone from attempting suicide—that is the role of trained mental health professionals—awareness can help you encourage someone to seek support. Here are five warning signs you may not have known can be associated with suicide risk.

1. Starting Antidepressant Medication

That’s right—recently starting antidepressant medication can temporarily increase suicide risk for some individuals. It sounds counterintuitive. How can medication meant to help someone feel better actually increase risk?

One common symptom of depression is low motivation or lack of energy. Often, one of the first symptoms antidepressants improve is that lack of motivation. If someone still has suicidal thoughts but suddenly has more energy and motivation, they may be more capable of acting on those thoughts before the medication has fully improved their mood.

This does not mean antidepressants are dangerous or should be avoided. They help many people significantly. It simply means close monitoring and support during the early stages of treatment are important.

2. Recent Release From a Psychiatric Hospital

This specifically applies to individuals recently discharged from an inpatient psychiatric unit.

The goal of most psychiatric hospitalizations is stabilization. For example, someone who recently attempted suicide may be hospitalized for safety and monitoring. During inpatient treatment, they often receive 24-hour supervision, access to psychiatrists, structured routines, and therapeutic groups.

However, after discharge—often within 1–2 weeks due to stabilization or insurance limitations—that constant support is no longer present. Even with follow-up appointments scheduled, adjusting back to everyday life can feel overwhelming. If someone continues struggling without those supports in place, suicide risk may remain elevated.

3. Sudden Improvement

Imagine someone you know has been struggling with depression. They isolate themselves, have difficulty getting out of bed, and express feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. Then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, they appear calm, happy, or at peace.

While improvement can absolutely be a positive sign, a sudden and unexplained shift can sometimes be concerning. In some cases, individuals may feel relief after deciding on a plan to end their life, which can temporarily reduce emotional distress.

This is why it’s important to continue checking in on loved ones, even when they suddenly seem “better.”

4. Anger

Sadness is the emotion most commonly associated with suicide, which makes sense. However, anger can also be a warning sign.

Some people express emotional pain through irritability, aggression, or pushing others away. Anger may mask feelings of sadness, hopelessness, shame, or emotional overwhelm—especially for individuals who struggle to express vulnerability directly.

If someone suddenly becomes more angry, withdrawn, or reactive than usual, it may be worth gently checking in with them.

5. No Visible Signs

Unfortunately, some people are very skilled at hiding emotional pain. They may continue functioning outwardly while struggling intensely internally. Others may avoid discussing their feelings because they fear burdening loved ones.

In some cases, suicide attempts can also be impulsive and occur without longstanding visible depression. Not everyone who dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental health condition.

This is an important reminder that:

• Not everyone experiencing depression will attempt suicide.

• Not everyone at risk will appear obviously depressed.

Because of this, compassion, open conversations, and access to support matter deeply.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you do not have to go through it alone. Therapy and professional support have helped many people navigate these experiences and find hope again.

If you believe therapy may help, please schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Therapeutic Interventions and Psychological Services.