
Suicide Prevention and Resources
Chances are, you will be affected by suicide at some point in your life. A friend or family member may contemplate or even attempt suicide. It’s important to know the facts about suicide, recognize risk factors, and utilize the many suicide prevention resources that are available.
Suicide Statistics USA
- Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year. (CDC)
- The highest suicide rates in the US are among Whites, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.
- Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. (NAMI)
- 80% – 90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. (TADS study)
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. (CDC)
- Approximately 123 Americans die by suicide every day. (CDC)
- There is 1 death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes. (CDC)
- Over 44,965 Americans die by suicide every year. (CDC)
- An estimated quarter-million people each year become suicide survivors (AAS).
- There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts. (CDC)
- There is one suicide for every estimated 4 suicide attempts in the elderly. (CDC)
Increased Risk of Suicide

- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of suicide
- Family history of child maltreatment
- History of alcohol and drug abuse
- Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Knowing someone who died by suicide
- Social isolation
- Chronic disease and disability
- Lack of access to behavioral health care
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
- Local epidemics of suicide
- Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Physical illness and physical pain
- Easy access to lethal methods
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or to suicidal thoughts
Certain stressful events can increase the likelihood of suicide. Examples include:
- End of a relationship or marriage
- Death of a loved one
- An arrest
- Serious financial problems
Resources for Suicide Prevention
There are a surprising number of resources available for suicide prevention and support of those who are suicidal or who have lost someone to suicide. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-8255
24/7 Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-TALK (8255) (Veterans, press 1)
Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
Veterans Crisis Line
Send a text to 838255
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
Alcohol & Drugs
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Anxiety Disorders
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Bipolar Disorder
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality
Borderline Personality
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality
Cutting
Depression
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality
Families for Depression Awareness
American Psychiatric Foundation
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Eating Disorders
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
National Eating Disorders Association
Understanding Eating Disorders
Emotional Health
American Psychiatric Foundation
National Dialogue on Mental Health
Veterans Affairs Mental Health Toolkit
Veterans Affairs Mental Health
Schizophrenia
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Stress
Stress Management-HelpGuide.org
Suicide Prevention
American Association of Suicidology
The Dougy Center – The National Center for Grieving Children and Families
How to Talk to a Child about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family (Rocky Mountain MIRECC)
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People (PFLAG)
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide