Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. Suicide rates increased in nearly every state from 1999 through 2016. Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any single factor. In fact, many people who die by suicide are not known to have a diagnosed mental health condition at the time of death.
Other problems often contribute to suicide, such as those related to relationships, substance use, physical health, and job, money, legal, or housing stress. Making sure government, public health, healthcare, employers, education, the media and community organizations are working together is important for preventing suicide.
- More than half of people who die by suicide did not have a known mental health condition, but almost half visit their primary care physician in the month prior to their death. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your primary care provider.
- Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any single factor. In fact, more than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
- Social isolation, increased anxiety, increased substance use, increased anger, expressing hopelessness, changes in sleep or diet, talking about wanting to die, and making plans for suicide are all warning signs.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause in people aged 10-34.
How Communities Can Help
- Identify and support people at risk of suicide.
- Teach coping and problem-solving skills to help people manage challenges with their relationships, jobs, health, or other concerns.
- Promote safe and supportive environments. This includes safely storing medications and firearms to reduce access among people at risk.
- Offer activities that bring people together so they feel connected and not alone.
Connect people at risk to effective and coordinated mental and physical healthcare. - Expand options for temporary help for those struggling to make ends meet.
Prevent future risk of suicide among those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Know the 12 Suicide WARNING SIGNS
- 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
5 Steps to Help Someone at Risk
- Ask
- Keep them safe
- Be there
- Help them connect
- Follow up
Find out how this can save a life by visiting: www.BeThe1To.
Learn more about suicide prevention.