#BeThere to Help Prevent Suicide

Image of one person comforting another person by holding their clasped hands

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Suicide is more than a mental health concern.

A CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.

The Facts About Suicide

Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2018.
In 2018, 10.7 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.3 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. You can #BeThere and #BeThe1To help a friend, loved one, or coworker. Everyone can learn the warning signs and how to get help.

What to Watch For

Individual, relationship, community, and societal factors may influence the risk of suicide. Know the suicide warning signs including:

Feeling like a burden
Being isolated
Increased anxiety
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Increased substance use
Looking for a way to access lethal means
Increased anger or rage
Extreme mood swings
Expressing hopelessness
Sleeping too little or too much
Talking or posting about wanting to die
Making plans for suicide

Sept 10th each year is World Suicide Prevention Day – Learn what CDC is doing for Suicide Prevention.

Suicide is a leading cause of death for Americans ages 10 to 64.

Partner Resources

CDC has developed a technical package, Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices [PDF 6 MB, 62 Pages] that provides the best available evidence for suicide prevention. Also available in Spanish [PDF 34 MB, 64 Pages].

The technical package informs a comprehensive, multi-level and multi-sectoral approach within communities and states.

Learn more about how to #BeThere