What is National Suicide Awareness Month?
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month started in 2008 and has since been a month to raise awareness about suicide and learn about the different prevention methods that are available to support ourselves and the people in our lives. It is a month where advocates for mental health send their message that we can prevent suicide, and there is help for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. It also serves as a time to remember and honor those who have lost their lives due to suicide.
Why is Suicide Awareness Month Important?
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is important because it starts an essential conversation on what may be suicide factors, how to prevent suicide, and how to support those who are struggling with suicidal ideation. During the prevention month, we are also able to remember loved ones who have committed suicide collectively. It also allows those who have lost someone to suicide to find and receive support through the grieving process. Another important aspect is the resources that are shared from different supporters of the cause, making it easier for those who are struggling with suicidal ideation to receive treatment and support.
Suicide Rates and Statistics
-
- Suicide rates rose 36% between 2000 and 2022.
- In 2023, there were 49,316 deaths caused by suicide. This equates to one suicide every 11 minutes.
- It is estimated that 12.8 million adults considered suicide seriously, 1.5 million adults attempted suicide, and 3.7 million adults were planning a suicide attempt in 2022.
- Suicide is ranked as the third leading cause of death for 15-29 year-olds.
- Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people and non-Hispanic White people have some of the highest suicide rates compared to other ethnic groups in 2023
-
- People who are 85 years old and older had the highest suicide rate compared to other age groups in 2023
-
- Firearms were used for 55.33% suicides in 2023
-
- 12.8 million people in the United States seriously thought about suicide in 2023
-
- 3.7 million people in the United States made a plan for suicide in 2023
-
- 1.5 million people in the United States attempted suicide in 2023
-
- Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death across all ages.
-
- Males make up nearly 80% of suicides in 2023
Suicide Risk Factors
There are a lot of factors that can put someone at risk for suicide. The following are some of the common risk factors that can put someone at risk for suicide:
-
- Family history of mental illness or depression
- Serious illness
- Legal issues
- Job struggles
- Financial struggles
- Impulsiveness
- Substance use
- Negative childhood experiences
- Mental illness stigma
-
- Bullying
- History of suicide in the family line
- Domestic relationship struggles
- Isolation
- Lack of access to healthcare
- Suicide clusters
- Historical trauma
- Discrimination
Suicide Warning Signs
When it comes to suicide, it is important to know the warning signs so that professional help can be found as soon as possible once someone starts showing signs of struggling with suicidal ideation.
Seek help immediately if you or someone in your life is:
-
- Talking about harming themselves or someone else
- Planning out how to attempt suicide
- Acting erratically in a way that makes you worry about their safety
Other Common Warning Signs:
-
- Isolation
- Talking about being a burden
- High anxiety
- Feeling trapped
- High substance use
- Looking for lethal tools
-
- Extreme mood swings
- Hopelessness
- Over or undersleeping
- Talking about wanting to die
- Making suicide plans
- Sudden happiness or calm
Prevention Methods
-
- Reduce access to lethal means among persons at risk of suicide
- Engage community members in shared activities
- Teach parenting skills to improve family relationships
- Coping skills
- Reasons to live (pets, family, etc.)
- Cultural identity
- Support and connection from friends and family
- Consistent and high-quality healthcare
Support and Resources
If you are struggling with considering suicide, we encourage you to reach out for professional and interpersonal support. You do not have to manage it alone. Below is a list of resources that can help you find support.
Crisis Hotlines & Immediate Support
Utah Crisis Line:
-
- Call: 988 or 801-587-3000
- Hours: 24/7
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline:
-
- Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Chat: online.rainn.org
- Hours: 24/7
Crisis Text Line:
-
- Text: HOME to 741741
- Hours: 24/7
The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Youth Support)
-
- Call: 1-866-488-7386
- Text: START to 678678
- Hours: 24/7
Support Groups and Ongoing Resources
Utah Pride Center:
-
- Website: utahpridecenter.org
- Offers free peer-led support groups for the LGBTQIA+ community. Check their website for support group times.
NAMI Utah (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
-
- Website: namiut.org
- Call/Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
- Offers a crisis hotline, a directory of free support groups, and monthly workshops on suicide prevention. Check their website for more information.
Caring Connections – University of Utah College of Nursing Support Groups
-
- Website: nursing.utah.edu/grief-support-groups
- Call: 801-585-9522 to join. Advanced registration required.
- Weekly Meetings open to adults experiencing different types of loss, including death of a loved one, child, spouse/partner, suicide, or substance-related death
