What You Should Know About Suicide Prevention
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among both youth and adults in the United States. For every life lost, many more individuals make a plan, attempt suicide, or seek care in an emergency department.
Mental health plays a major role. Nearly half of people who die by suicide have a history of a diagnosed mental health condition. However, many others may struggle silently, with no diagnosis at all. Access to timely mental health care can make a critical difference in reducing risk.
It’s important to understand that suicide is complex. Factors at the individual, relationship, and community levels can all contribute. Veterans, for example, face higher suicide rates than the general population. Programs like the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program and the Make the Connection campaign are working to provide support, share personal stories, and connect veterans to resources.
Youth mental health is also an urgent concern. According to the most recent data from 2023, 1 in 5 U.S. high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. This highlights the importance of open conversations, prevention efforts, and ensuring young people know help is available.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Free and confidential help is available 24/7/365.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.