Written by Michele Wheat
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and adults in the United States, claiming nearly 50,000 lives per year. Many factors can be at the root of suicidal thoughts, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, and past trauma. But with greater awareness of this problem, many lives could be saved. Whether you're participating in a charity fundraiser, wearing a wristband, or starting an awareness campaign at your workplace or school, you can help to raise awareness of the prevalence of suicide and what people can do to stop it.
One big thing that people can do to help prevent suicide is to understand the warning signs and risk factors that could indicate that someone is contemplating suicide. But recognizing when someone is struggling is only the first step: You also need to know what to do to help them. This starts with simply talking to them and encouraging them to tell you about their situation. You should also be able to guide them toward resources that can help them, like a suicide hotline, support group, or mental health professional. Above all, it's important for everyone to know that help is always available and that they don't have to face these struggles alone.
- Suicide Prevention Tips for Youth and Young Adults: On this page, you can learn more about suicide prevention for teenagers and young adults, including the warning signs of suicide and how you can help a loved one at risk.
- How to Talk About Suicide: When writing about suicide, avoid using language that can stigmatize or trigger people who are struggling with their mental health.
- Suicide Prevention: Recognizing the Red Flags: Preventing suicide starts with recognizing the warning signs and responding accordingly.
- Suicide Prevention Strategies: Suicide is a public health problem that requires a multifaceted solution.
- Suicide Prevention: Learning about suicide could help you to save a life.
- Warning Signs of Suicide: Understand the signs that someone might be contemplating suicide, which can include verbal, behavioral, and mood changes.
- Are You Thinking About Suicide? How to Stay Safe and Find Treatment: If you ever feel suicidal, it's important to get help right away.
- Suicide and Depression: Connection, Facts, and Statistics: Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: You can connect to a mental health professional when you're in crisis by calling 988.
- 988: Reimagining Crisis Response: The national hotline for suicide prevention is available 24/7.
- How to Deal With Suicide: If you are thinking about suicide, the Crisis Text Line is there to help you get out of the dark place you're in.
- Help Prevent Suicide: Mental health struggles can happen to anyone, but certain groups are particularly at risk of suicide.
- Raising Awareness of Suicide: Preventing suicide starts with awareness and understanding.
- Understanding Mental Illness: The majority of those who die by suicide experience some form of mental illness.
- Find a Helpline: No matter where in the world you are, there's a hotline available to connect you to help.
- Depression and Suicide: Johns Hopkins offers information about how to spot someone who needs help and what to do to help them stay safe.
- Suicide Prevention: Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings: If you've struggled with your mental health, there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe when dark thoughts emerge.
- Suicide Prevention in Children Ages 10 to 19: Understanding suicidal behaviors in children and teenagers can help you catch the warning signs and prevent suicide.
- Talk Away the Dark: Talking to someone who's considering suicide and talking to others about mental health and suicide prevention can help to save lives. You can also wear a wristband to raise awareness and show that you're a safe person to talk to if someone is struggling.
- What Happens When You Call a Suicide Hotline: Calling a hotline can be intimidating, but knowing what to expect can make it a little easier to reach out for help.
- Suicide Warning Signs: Learn to recognize the danger signals and warning signs of suicide.
- Suicide Often Not Preceded by Warnings: Some suicides occur without any warning signs, while others may exhibit very subtle signs that they're contemplating suicide.
- What to Look for: Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts: Learn the signs of suicidal thoughts and what to do if you spot them.
- Youth Suicide: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young people.
- Suicidal Behaviors: It's important to understand what suicidal behaviors are in order to spot them.
- Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Youth Suicide: Suicide does not have one cause, but certain factors can increase the risk of suicide.