Suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020.  This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.

In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. Suicide affects all ages. In 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.

You can help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional. Save the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number (CALL OR TEXT 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they are there if you need them.

By ethnicity/race, the groups with the highest rates were non-Hispanics American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White populations. Other Americans with higher-than-average rates of suicide are veterans, people who live in rural areas, and workers in industries like mining and construction. Lesbians, gay, or bisexual young people have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to their peers who identify as heterosexual.

By the numbers presented here, the magnitude of the problem can readily be seen. Increasing your awareness of risk factors and warning sign can be significant in reducing these numbers and saving a life. Suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play to save lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families and communities.

 Many factors can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it. Stressful life events (death of a loved one, legal or financial issues) and interpersonal stressors (shame, harassment, discrimination or relationship issues) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors. People who have experienced violence, including sexual or child abuse, bullying, or sexual/family violence have a higher suicide risk. Other risk factors are: 

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorders or family history of a mental disorder or substance use.  
• Teens under stress at school from pressure to maintain grades and intense bullying             
• Chronic pain
• Chronic disease that significantly lowers their standard of living
• A family history of suicide or history of suicide attempts
• Presence of guns or other firearms in the home
• Having recently been released from prison or jail
• Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others suicidal behavior

Life can be overwhelming for anyone, but the fact is that there are people who do have an increased risk of actually committing suicide. Understanding this helps identify and prevent someone from taking their own life. Most people who have risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention.

WARNING SIGNS

• Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:
• TALKING ABOUT
  • wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • feeling trapped or that there are no solutions
  • being a burden to others
  • feeling great guilt or shame

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order
• Taking great risk that could lead to death
• Talking or thinking about death often
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves
• Using drugs or alcohol more often 
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Changing eating or sleeping habits
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

Suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

*Here are five action steps to take for helping someone in emotional pain.

ASK: Are you thinking about killing yourself?

KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling.

HELP THEM CONNECT: You can help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional. Save the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number (CALL OR TEXT 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they are there if you need them. Both services provide 24 hours confidential support to anyone in suicide crisis or emotional distress. Contact social media platforms directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media post, or dial 911 in an emergency.

STAY CONNECTED:  Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference.

 Suicide is a major public health concern. It is preventable and everyone can be instrumental in preventing the needless loss of life by being aware of the risk factors and warning signs. Suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

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