Each September, we mark Suicide Prevention Month and join the health community in opening up discussions and sharing information and resources about suicide prevention. Thoughts of suicide can be frightening. But by reaching out for help or checking in with family and friends, we can avoid devastating outcomes.
Statistics About Suicide
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.
- Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
- 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
- 79% of people who die by suicide are male
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their lifetime compared to the general population
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- Among U.S. adolescents (aged 12-17):
- 3 million had serious thoughts of suicide
- Among U.S. young adults (aged 18-25):
- 3.8 million had serious thoughts of suicide
Help in a Crisis
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
How to Talk About Suicide
We have advice on how to talk about suicide.
Suicide Prevention Guide
Find out about warning signs of suicide, risk factors and what you can do to help prevent suicide in our guide.
Events for 2022’s Suicide Prevention Month
September 15, 2022, 1:30 pm PT: NAMI’s “Ask the Expert” features four individuals who shared their stories of surviving suicide loss in a chapter on suicide from the upcoming NAMI book, “You Are Not Alone.” Register for the event here.
September 15, 2022, 9:30 am PT: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cohost a Facebook Live on the intersection of suicide and substance use, featuring NIMH Director, Dr. Josh Gordon, and NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow. Watch the live discussion on NIMH’s or NIDA’s Facebook pages.
