The life events that have been shown to increase risk most significantly are
Alcohol use disorder
Studies have shown that individuals who binge drink, rather than drink socially, tend to have higher rates of suicidal ideation
Certain studies associate those who experience suicidal ideation with higher alcohol consumption
Not only do some studies show that solitary binge drinking can increase suicidal ideation, but there is a positive feedback relationship causing those who have more suicidal ideation to have more drinks per day in a solitary environment
Minoritized gender expression and/or sexuality
Unemployment
Chronic illness or pain
Death of family members or friends
End of a relationship or being rejected by a romantic interest
Major change in life standard (e.g. relocation abroad)
Other studies have found that tobacco use is correlated with depression and suicidal ideation
Unplanned pregnancy
Bullying, including cyberbullying and workplace bullying
Previous suicide attempts
Having previously attempted suicide is one of the strongest indicators of future suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
Military experience
Military personnel who show symptoms of PTSD, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder show higher levels of suicidal ideation
Community violence
Undesired changes in body weightWomen: increased BMI increases chance of suicidal ideation
Men: severe decrease in BMI increases chance of suicidal ideation
In general, the obese population has increased odds of suicidal ideation in relation to individuals that are of average-weight
Exposure and attention to suicide related images or words

Family history
Parents with a history of depression
Valenstein et al. studied 340 adult offspring whose parents had depression in the past.
Medication
Prescribing medication to treat suicidal ideation can be difficult. One reason for this is that many medications lift patients energy levels before lifting their mood. This puts them at greater risk of following through with attempting suicide. Additionally, if a person has a comorbid psychiatric disorder, it may be difficult to find a medication that addresses both the psychiatric disorder and suicidal ideation. Antidepressants may be effective. Often, SSRIs are used instead of TCAs as the latter typically have greater harm in overdose.Antidepressants have been shown to be a very effective means of treating suicidal ideation. One correlational study compared mortality rates due to suicide to the use of SSRI antidepressants in certain counties. The counties which had higher SSRI use had a significantly lower number of deaths caused by suicide. Additionally, an experimental study followed depressed patients for one year. During the first six months of that year, the patients were examined for suicidal behavior including suicidal ideation. The patients were then prescribed antidepressants for the six months following the first six observatory months. During the six months of treatment, experimenters found suicide ideation reduced from 47% of patients down to 14% of patients. Thus, it appears from current research that antidepressants have a helpful effect on the reduction of suicidal ideation. Although research is largely in favor of the use of antidepressants for the treatment of suicidal ideation, in some cases antidepressants are claimed to be the cause of suicidal ideation.