Standing Together for Suicide Prevention Month

September 10, 2024

Suicide is a preventable tragedy and one of the leading causes of death among youth, teens, and young adults. Stigma around mental health often prevents individuals from reaching out which is why Suicide Prevention month is so important. During the month of September, it can literally be life-saving to illuminate the impact suicide has on our communities and the importance of preventative mental health care. For those struggling, know that you are not alone and there is help.

While anyone can be affected by suicide, certain communities and population groups are more likely to attempt suicide or have suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide). Knowing who is suffering the most is the first vital step toward targeted prevention and care. With this in mind, we are sharing some statistics from NAMI to demonstrate the magnitude of this crisis, reduce stigma of asking for help, and hopefully save lives. If you know someone in a high-risk group below, be open to honest conversations and ready to support a friend seeking help. If you are in a high-risk group, be gentle with yourself and ask for help if you need it – as early as possible. It gets better.

To get help, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the Compass Health crisis line at 1-800-584-3578 to get connected to our crisis services such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team or our Crisis Triage and Stabilization Center.

Individual Impact of Suicide:

  – 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.

  – Although more women attempt suicide, men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide.

  – Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.

  – Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24.

  – It is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

  – 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.

  – Research suggests that 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact of Suicide:

– Prevalence of Serious Thoughts of Suicide (Annual prevalence by U.S. demographic group):

  – U.S. Adults: 4.8%

  – LGBTQ youth: 41%

  – Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander: 7.4%

  – Mixed/Multiracial individuals: 8.2%

  – American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%

  – Young adults (ages 18-25): 13%

  – High school students: 22%

The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers.

Transgender adults are nearly 9 times more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to non-transgender individuals.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals held in local jails.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can seek help by calling or texting 988 The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This critical resource is available 24/7, offering free and confidential support. This lifeline is a crucial resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.