Preventing Suicide

Suicide can be prevented. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the entire month is dedicated to suicide prevention awareness in the United States. Help prevent suicide in your community by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects people of all ages.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall and the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–34.
Suicide rates increased more than 30 percent in half of states since 1999.
In 2016, nearly 45,000 lives were lost to suicide across the United States.

Deaths from suicide are only part of the problem.

More than 1.3 million adults self-reported a suicide attempt.
Almost 10 million adults self-reported serious thoughts of suicide.

Suicide is more than a mental health concern. A recent CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. However, suicide is preventable.

States and communities, including, public health, healthcare, schools, the media, and community organizations can do a lot to prevent suicide. Research has uncovered a wealth of information about the factors that contribute to suicide risk and prevention strategies. CDC has released a technical package, Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices[6.09 MB], to help inform decisions about prevention strategies that are based on the best available evidence.

Everyone Can Know the Warning Signs and Get Help

Suicide has warning signs, such as expressing hopelessness, threatening to hurt oneself or talking about wanting to die, increasing alcohol and drug use, and withdrawing from friends and family.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Learn the steps you can take to help someone at risk by visiting BeThe1To.