Which factor heightens suicide risk?

• A. Adequate sleep
• B. Positive coping
• C. Regular meals
• D. Prior attempts

Answer: (D)

Prior suicide attempts are a major risk indicator because they reveal a history of serious distress and a real potential that the person may act on suicidal thoughts again. A past attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide, especially when psychiatric illness, ongoing stress, or access to means are present. Protective factors like adequate sleep, positive coping, and regular meals support resilience and overall mental health, reducing risk rather than heightening it. Therefore, a history of prior attempts stands out as the most significant factor among the options, signaling heightened risk regardless of how the person appears at the moment.