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.

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.