Suicide Prevention Month
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
- Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 in the US in 2017.
- On average, 1 person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the US.
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth are almost 5 times more likely to attempt suicide.
- Women are 3 times more likely than men to attempt suicide, and men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide.
Suicide Risk Factors
- Previous suicide attempts
- A history of suicide in the family
- Substance misuse
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
- Access to lethal means (e.g., keeping firearms in the home)
- Losses and other events (breakup of a relationship, a death, academic failures, legal difficulties, financial difficulties, bullying)
- History of trauma or abuse
- Chronic physical illness, chronic pain
- Exposure to the suicide of others
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Often talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
- Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
- Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
- Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes
- Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others
- Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
What You Can Do
If someone indicates they are considering suicide, listen and take their concerns seriously. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their plans. Let them know you care, and they are not alone. Encourage them to seek help immediately form a knowledgeable professional.
- Ask someone you are worried about if they are thinking about suicide. (While people may be hesitant to ask, research shoes this is helpful.)
- Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
- Be there with them. Listen to what they need.
- Help them connect with ongoing support.
- Stay connected. Follow up to see how they are doing.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, don’t wait to get help.
If someone is in immediate danger: call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK 24/7, free, confidential
HOPELINE Textline: text 741741 24/7, free, confidential
Yurk Counseling Services: 920-287-0406 schedule appointment with a therapist
Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
Love yourself, you deserve it!