Death by suicide is a large and growing public health problem. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 47,000 deaths in 2017, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes.
Every year, many more people think about or attempt suicide than die by suicide. In 2017, 10.6 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
Suicide affects all ages. Suicide is a problem throughout the life span. It is the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age, the fourth leading cause among people 35 to 54 years of age, and the eighth leading cause among people 55 to 64 years of age.
September in Suicide Prevention Month, and today, Tuesday September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.
If You Know Someone in Crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1–800–799–4889. All calls are confidential.
Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the NSPL’s website. The Crisis Text Line is another resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741741.
Death by suicide is a serious and preventable public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities.
While the causes of suicide vary, suicide prevention strategies share two goals: to reduce factors that increase risk and to increase factors that promote resilience or coping.
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.
The main risk factors for suicide are:
A prior suicide attempt
Depression and other mental health disorders
Substance abuse disorder
Family history of a mental health or substance abuse disorder
Family history of suicide
Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Having guns or other firearms in the home
Being in prison or jail
Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer, or media figure
Medical illness
Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years or over age 60
Even among people who have risk factors for suicide, most do not attempt suicide. It remains difficult to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.
A combination of individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide. Risk factors are those characteristics associated with suicide—they might not be direct causes.
Prevention requires a comprehensive approach that occurs at all levels of society—from the individual, family, and community levels to the broader social environment.
Some groups have higher rates of death by suicide than others. Suicide rates vary by race/ethnicity, age, and other population characteristics, with the highest rates across the life span occurring among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White populations.
Other Americans disproportionately impacted by suicide include Veterans and other military personnel and workers in certain occupational groups like construction and the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media field.
To contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat
Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
For more information, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline