Mental Health

Risk Factors for Depression

Click here and find out your risk factors for depression.

Mental health is increasingly pervasive in this country and the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five US adults live with a mental illness and, in 2017, an estimated 970 million people worldwide had a mental health illness or substance abuse disorder.

Is Depression a Risk Factor for Suicide?

Undiagnosed depression is just one of the many risk factors for suicide. Having a risk factor for suicide is not the same as having a warning sign of suicide.Three common warning signs for suicide are:

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself (such as cutting or burning)
  • Talking to others about wanting to die
  • Making plans to take your own life

Need professional help?

For more information about behavioral health or to schedule an appointment with someone who can help, call 706-721-6597, or visit augustahealth.org/behavioral-health. However, if you or someone you love is suffering a mental health emergency and may be a threat to themselves or others, please call 911 immediately.

About the author

Augusta University Health

Based in Augusta, Georgia, Augusta University Health is a world-class health care network, offering the most comprehensive primary, specialty and subspecialty care in the region. Augusta University Health provides skilled, compassionate care to its patients, conducts leading-edge clinical research and fosters the medical education and training of tomorrow’s health care practitioners. Augusta University Health is a not-for-profit corporation that manages the clinical operations associated with Augusta University.