What Is Suicide?: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United
States. The effects of suicide go beyond the person who acts to take his or her life: it
can have a lasting effect on family, friends, and communities. This fact sheet, developed
by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), can help you, a friend, or a family
member learn about the signs and symptoms, risk factors and warning signs, and
ongoing research about suicide and suicide prevention.
If You Know Someone in Crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(NSPL) at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is
available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at
1–800–799–4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you
are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn
more on the NSPL’s website. The Crisis Text Line is another resource available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741741.
What Is Suicide?
Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they
die because of their actions. It’s best to avoid the use of terms like “committing suicide” or a
“successful suicide” when referring to a death by suicide as these terms often carry negative
connotations.
A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do
not die because of their actions.
Who Is at Risk for Suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.
The main risk factors for suicide are:
 A prior suicide attempt

 Depression and other mental health disorders
 Substance abuse disorder
 Family history of a mental health or substance abuse disorder
 Family history of suicide
 Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
 Having guns or other firearms in the home
 Being in prison or jail
 Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer, or media figure
 Medical illness
 Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years or over age 60
Even among people who have risk factors for suicide, most do not attempt suicide. It remains
difficult to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.
Are certain groups of people at higher risk than others?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely to die
by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to
use more lethal methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to
attempt suicide by poisoning.
Also per the CDC, certain demographic subgroups are at higher risk. For example, American
Indian and Alaska Native youth and middle-aged persons have the highest rate of suicide,
followed by non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adult males. African Americans have the
lowest suicide rate, while Hispanics have the second lowest rate. The exception to this is younger
children. African American children under the age of 12 have a higher rate of suicide than White
children. While younger preteens and teens have a lower rate of suicide than older adolescents,
there has been a significant rise in the suicide rate among youth ages 10 to 14. Suicide ranks as
the second leading cause of death for this age group, accounting for 425 deaths per year and
surpassing the death rate for traffic accidents, which is the most common cause of death for
young people.
Looking for more data and statistics? For the most recent statistics on suicide and more
information about risk, please visit the CDC website
at www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/index.html.
Why do some people become suicidal while others with similar risk factors do
not?
Most people who have the risk factors for suicide will not kill themselves. However, the risk for
suicidal behavior is complex. Research suggests that people who attempt suicide may react to
events, think, and make decisions differently than those who do not attempt suicide. These
differences happen more often if a person also has a disorder such as depression, substance
abuse, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and psychosis. Risk factors are important to keep
in mind; however, someone who has warning signs of suicide may be in more danger and require
immediate attention.
What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
 Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

 Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
 Planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or
newly acquiring potentially lethal items (e.g., firearms, ropes)
 Talking about great guilt or shame
 Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
 Feeling unbearable pain, both physical or emotional
 Talking about being a burden to others
 Using alcohol or drugs more often
 Acting anxious or agitated
 Withdrawing from family and friends
 Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
 Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
 Taking risks that could lead to death, such as reckless driving
 Talking or thinking about death often
 Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
 Giving away important possessions
 Saying goodbye to friends and family
 Putting affairs in order, making a will
Do People Threaten Suicide to Get Attention?

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and an alert that someone needs help.
Any warning sign or symptom of suicide should not be ignored. All talk of suicide should be
taken seriously and requires attention. Threatening to die by suicide is not a normal response to
stress and should not be taken lightly.
If You Ask Someone About Suicide, Does It Put the Idea

Into Their Head?
Asking someone about suicide is not harmful. There is a common myth that asking someone
about suicide can put the idea into their head. This is not true. Several studies examining this
concern have demonstrated that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behavior does not
induce or increase such thoughts and experiences. In fact, asking someone directly, “Are you
thinking of killing yourself,” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for suicide.
What Should I Do if I Am in Crisis or Someone I Know Is

Considering Suicide?
If you or someone you know has warning signs or symptoms of suicide, particularly if there is a
change in the behavior or a new behavior, get help as soon as possible.
Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can take the
first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in
diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. If someone is telling you that they are going to
kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise anyone that you will keep their suicidal
thoughts a secret. Make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member, or if you are a student, an
adult with whom you feel comfortable. You can also contact the resources noted below.
How can doctors and other health care providers play a role in suicide prevention?
Health care providers can help prevent suicide when they understand the risk factors and use
evidence-based treatments and therapies. In addition, The Joint Commission recommends
screening all patients in all medical settings for suicide risk using validated, population and
setting-specific tools.
Clinicians should be advised that it is no longer acceptable to “contract for safety” with patients.
Safety planning for managing future suicidal thoughts and means restriction (removing or
ensuring safe storage of potentially lethal items) have been proven to be effective ways of
preventing suicide. Health care providers can find educational resources on the Zero Suicide
website and news about the latest research on the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov.

What Is Suicide?: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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What Is Suicide?: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United

Who Is at Risk for Suicide?

The main risk factors for suicide are:

 A prior suicide attempt

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

 Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

Do People Threaten Suicide to Get Attention?

If You Ask Someone About Suicide, Does It Put the Idea

What Should I Do if I Am in Crisis or Someone I Know Is

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