What factor has been identified as a predictor of higher risk for suicide completion?

Substance abuse has been identified as a significant predictor of higher risk for suicide completion. Individuals who engage in substance abuse often experience a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and increase impulsivity. Substance use can impair judgment and reduce the ability to cope with stressors, leading to heightened vulnerability during crises. The relationship between substance abuse and suicide risk is documented in numerous studies, highlighting that individuals with a history of substance abuse disorders are at an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In contrast, while female gender and marital status can be associated with mental health trends, they do not carry the same direct correlation with the risk of suicide completion as substance abuse. Although unemployment can be a stressor, it is the combination of psychological distress associated with substance use and its impact on cognitive function that places individuals at a particularly high risk for completing suicide.