Learn the Facts About Suicide
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. It is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Suicide is rarely caused by a single circumstance or event. It is complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, like mental illness, substance misuse, trauma, painful losses and exposure to violence.
People who attempt suicide typically feel overwhelming emotional pain, frustration, loneliness, hopelessness, powerlessness, worthlessness, shame, guilt, rage and/or self-hatred. The social isolation that can be common in the lives of those with mental illness can reinforce the belief that no one cares if they live or die.
Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. A suicide threat or attempt is a medical emergency that requires professional help as soon as possible.
Suicide Is a Public Health Problem that Affects People of All Ages
According to the NIMH and CDC, in 2022, suicide was responsible for at least 49,476 deaths, which is about one death every 11minutes. That's nearly twice as many deaths from suicide as there were homicides (24,849).
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- In 2022, suicide was the11th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of at least 49,476 people.
- Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 - 14 and 25 - 34.
- Suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15 - 24.
- Suicide was the 4th leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 - 44.
Many Factors Affect Suicide Risk
According to the CDC, many factors – at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels – can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it.
Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. However, being connected to family and community support and having easy access to healthcare can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Factors That Can Increase the Risk for Suicide
These situations or problems can increase the possibility that a person will attempt suicide.
- Individual Risk Factors. These personal factors contribute to risk:
- Previous suicide attempt
- History of depression and other mental illnesses
- Serious illness such as chronic pain
- Criminal/legal problems
- Job/financial problems or loss
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Substance use
- Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences
- Sense of hopelessness
- Violence victimization and/or perpetration
- Relationship Risk Factors. These harmful or hurtful experiences within relationships contribute to risk:
- Bullying
- Family/loved one's history of suicide
- Loss of relationships
- High conflict or violent relationships
- Social isolation
- Community Risk Factors. These issues within a person's community contribute to risk:
- Lack of access to healthcare
- Suicide cluster in the community
- Stress of acculturation
- Community violence
- Historical trauma
- Discrimination
- Societal Risk Factors. These cultural and environmental factors within the larger society contribute to risk:
- Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness
- Easy access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk
- Unsafe media portrayals of suicide
Factors That Can Help Protect Against Suicide Risk
These experiences or circumstances can help protect people against suicide risk.
- Individual Protective Factors. These personal factors protect against suicide risk:
- Effective coping and problem-solving skills
- Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.)
- Strong sense of cultural identity
- Relationship Protective Factors. These healthy relationship experiences protect against suicide risk:
- Support from partners, friends, and family
- Feeling connected to others
- Community Protective Factors. These supportive community experiences protect against suicide risk:
- Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions
- Availability of consistent and high quality physical and behavioral healthcare
- Societal Protective Factors. These cultural and environmental factors within the larger society protect against suicide risk:
- Reduced access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk
- Cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide
Suicide Is Preventable
The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce the factors that increase risk and increase factors that help protect against the risk. This requires involvement from all levels of society – individuals, families, friends, and communities.
Every one of us can take action to help prevent suicide:
- Get educated.
- Learn the warning signs and suicidal behaviors.
- Connect regularly with people in your life, especially those you know are struggling.
- Know and promote the protective factors.
- Help break the stigma around talking about mental illness.
- Commit to helping make social change.
Suicidal Behaviors
Suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate help. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
- Making a plan, stockpiling pills or buying a weapon.
- Putting affairs in order, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts.
- Giving away important possessions.
- Saying goodbye to friends and family.
How to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide
Suicidal thoughts or statements can be frightening, and not taking them seriously can have a devastating outcome.
If someone tells you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret.
Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or tell a family member or friend, or other trusted adult.
If someone tells you they are having thoughts of suicide, don't be afraid to talk to them about it.
- Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
- Express support and concern.
- Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?”
- Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills.
- Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong.
- Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice.
- Stay calm and be patient. If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace.
- If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time.
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