Suicide

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and a major public health concern. When a person dies by suicide, the effects are felt by family, friends, and communities.

What is suicide? Suicide is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they die as a result. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die. Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.

Who is at risk for suicide?
People of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide.

The main risk factors for suicide are:

A history of suicide attempts Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder
Chronic pain
Family history of a mental disorder or substance use
Family history of suicide
Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
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, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities
Most people who have risk factors for suicide 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.

Stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties) and interpersonal stressors (such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship troubles) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors.

What are the warning signs of suicide?
Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Withdrawing from family and friends
Giving away important possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
Talking or thinking about death often
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
Using alcohol or drugs more often
Acting anxious or agitated
Changing eating or sleeping habits
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
What treatment options and therapies are available?
Effective, evidence-based interventions are available to help people who are at risk for suicide:

If someone tells you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret—tell a trusted friend, family member, or other trusted adult.

Call 911 if there is an immediate life-threatening situation.

You also can contact:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988lifeline.org
Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español)
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available in English via chat at 988lifeline.org .

What if I see suicidal messages on social media?
Knowing how to get help when someone posts suicidal messages can help save a life. Many social media sites have a process to get help for the person posting the message. To learn more, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s webpage about safety and support on social media .

If you see messages or live streaming content that suggests someone is actively engaging in suicidal behavior, you can contact safety teams at the social media company. They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need.

Does asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head?
No. Studies have shown that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behaviors does not cause or increase such thoughts. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for suicide.

Do people “threaten” suicide to get attention?
Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and an indicator that someone needs help. Talking about wanting to die by suicide is not a typical response to stress. All talk of suicide should be taken seriously and requires immediate attention.

How do suicide rates differ among groups of people?
Data show that the rates of suicide attempts and suicide deaths vary according to characteristics such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. The most recent statistics on suicide and more information about suicide risk are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s suicide prevention webpage and the National Institute of Mental Health’s suicide statistics webpage.

How can I find help for mental health concerns?
If you have concerns about your mental health, tell your health care provider. Your health care provider will listen to your concerns and can help you figure out next steps. Find tips for talking with your doctor about mental health concerns.

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