Suicide Prevention
As the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34, suicide is a serious public health problem.
In 2020 in the United States, over 45,000 people died by suicide. An estimated 1.4 million adults attempt suicide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than one in five people who died by suicide had expressed their suicide intent.
Men are more than three times more likely than women to take their lives. Firearms are the most common method of suicide (used in about half of all suicides).
Yet, suicide is preventable. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs for suicide can help prevent suicide.
Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Protective Factors
Suicide is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, and the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center defines risk and protective factors and warning signs:
- Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt or die by suicide.
- Warning signs indicate an immediate risk of suicide.
- Protective factors are characteristics that make it less likely that individuals will consider, attempt or die by suicide.
Risk Factors for Suicide
Certain events and circumstances may increase risk (not in particular order, except first one).
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- A history of suicide in the family
- Substance misuse
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
- Access to lethal means (e.g., keeping firearms in the home)
- Losses and other events (for example, the breakup of a relationship or a death, academic failures, legal difficulties, financial difficulties, bullying)
- History of trauma or abuse
- Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
In some cases, a recent stressor or sudden catastrophic event, failure or can leave people feeling desperate, unable to see a way out, and become a "tipping point" toward suicide.
A recent CDC report highlights the complexity of suicide. While a mental health condition may be a contributing factor for many people, the report notes that "many factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions." A relationship problem was the top factor contributing to suicide, followed by crisis in the past or upcoming two weeks and problematic substance use.
CDC reports that about half, 54 percent, of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition. However, many of them may have been dealing with mental health challenges that had not been diagnosed or known to those around them.
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Often talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
- Making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless
- Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out."
- Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse
- Withdrawal from friends, family and community
- Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes
- Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
Protective Factors
- Contacts with providers (e.g., follow-up phone call from health care professional)
- Effective mental health care; easy access to a variety of clinical interventions
- Strong connections to individuals, family, community and social institutions
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
As with mental illness, one of the biggest barriers to preventing suicide is stigma, which prevents many people from seeking help.
The CDC report recommends a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention and it identifies several strategies that states and communities can undertake, including such measures as teaching coping and problem-solving skills to help people manage challenges, expanding options for temporary assistance for those in need and connecting people at-risk to effective and coordinated mental and physical health care.
What You Can Do
If someone indicates they are considering suicide, listen and take their concerns seriously. Don't be afraid to ask questions about their plans. Let them know you care, and they are not alone. Encourage them to seek help immediately from a knowledgeable professional. Don't leave them alone.
Five tips from CDC for what you can do if you're concerned about a friend or loved one:
- Ask "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" (While people may be hesitant to ask, research shows this is helpful.)
- Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal items or places.
- Be there with them. Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings.
- Help them connect. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Stay connected. Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.
If you or someone you know needs support now, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -- call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org
Learn more and find resources at www.BeThe1To.com. Be the one to save a life. You can do something to prevent suicide.
Resources and References
- American Association of Suicidology
- Veteran's Administration Suicide Prevention
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
- World Health Organization - Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Suicide Risk Factors, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Suicide & Self Harm Injury Data, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Fact Sheet: Suicide Rising Across the U.S. (.pdf), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stone, et al. Vital Signs: Trends in State Suicide Rates – United States, 1999-2016 and Circumstances Contributing to Suicide – 27 States, 2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. June 8, 2018. Vol.67, No.22.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ivey-Stephenson AZ, et al. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — United States, 2015–2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveill Summ 2022;71(No. SS-1):1–19.
Physician Review
Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H.
June 2018