NIMH - Suicide in America - FAQ's
September 15 - October 15 marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the U.S. The effects of suicide go beyond the person who acts to take their own life: it can have a lasting effect on family, friends, and communities. The information in this article from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) can help counselors, teachers, parents, and students learn more about the signs and symptoms, risk factors and warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention.
What Is Suicide?
Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they die
because of their actions. It’s best to avoid the use of terms like “committing suicide” or a “successful
suicide” when referring to a death by suicide as these terms often carry negative connotations.
A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not
die because of their actions.
Who Is at Risk for Suicide?
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.
The main risk factors for suicide are:
• A prior suicide attempt
• Depression and other mental health disorders
• Substance abuse disorder
• Family history of a mental health or substance abuse disorder
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Being in prison or jail
• Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer, or media figure
• Medical illness
• Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years or over age 60
Even among people who have risk factors for suicide, most do not attempt suicide. It remains difficult
to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.
Are certain groups of people at higher risk than others?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely to die by
suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use more
lethal methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide
by poisoning.
Also per the CDC, certain demographic subgroups are at higher risk. For example, American
Indian and Alaska Native youth and middle-aged persons have the highest rate of suicide, followed
by non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adult males. African Americans have the lowest
suicide rate, while Hispanics have the second lowest rate. The exception to this is younger children.
African American children under the age of 12 have a higher rate of suicide than White children.
While younger preteens and teens have a lower rate of suicide than older adolescents, there has
been a significant rise in the suicide rate among youth ages 10 to 14. Suicide ranks as the second
leading cause of death for this age group, accounting for 425 deaths per year and surpassing the
death rate for traffic accidents, which is the most common cause of death for young people.
What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill
themselves
• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or
having no reason to live
• Planning or looking for a way to kill
themselves, such as searching online,
stockpiling pills, or newly acquiring potentially
lethal items (e.g., firearms, ropes)
• Talking about great guilt or shame
• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that
there are no solutions
• Feeling unbearable pain, both physical or
emotional
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
• Showing rage or talking about
seeking revenge
• Taking risks that could lead to death, such as
reckless driving
• Talking or thinking about death often
• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly
changing from very sad to very calm or happy
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order, making a will
What Should I Do if I Am in Crisis or Someone I Know Is Considering Suicide?
If you or someone you know has warning signs or symptoms of suicide, particularly if there is a
change in the behavior or a new behavior, get help as soon as possible.
Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can take the first
step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing
and treating mental health conditions. If someone is telling you that they are going to kill
themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise anyone that you will keep their suicidal
thoughts a secret. Make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member, or if you are a student, an
adult with whom you feel comfortable. You can also contact the resources noted below.
What if Someone Is Posting Suicidal Messages on Social Media?
Knowing how to get help for a friend posting suicidal messages on social media can save a life. Many
social media sites have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the
message. In addition, many of the social media sites use their analytic capabilities to identify and help
report suicidal posts. Each offers different options on how to respond if you see concerning posts
about suicide.
For example:
• Facebook Suicide Prevention webpage can be found at www.facebook.com/help/[use the search
term “suicide” or “suicide prevention”].
• Instagram uses automated tools in the app to provide resources, which can also be found online at
https://help.instagram.com [use the search term, “suicide,” self-injury,” or “suicide prevention”]
• Snapchat’s Support provides guidance at https://support.snapchat.com [use the search term,
“suicide” or “suicide prevention”]
• Tumblr Counseling and Prevention Resources webpage can be found at https://tumblr.zendesk.com
[use the search term “counseling” or “prevention,” then click on “Counseling and prevention resources”].
• Twitter’s Best Practices in Dealing With Self-Harm and Suicide at https://support.twitter.com [use
the search term “suicide,” “self-harm,” or “suicide prevention”].
• YouTube’s Safety Center webpage can be found at https://support.google.com/youtube [use the
search term “suicide and self injury”].
If you see messages or live streaming suicidal behavior on social media, call 911 or contact the
toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line
(text HOME to 741741) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals
can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1–800–799–4889. All calls are confidential. This service is
available to everyone. People—even strangers—have saved lives by being vigilant.
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