TOMORROW NEEDS YOU

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

What are the warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide?

• Feeling extreme depression, guilt, or shame.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Talking about, or preoccupation with, death or suicide.
• Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means (buying a firearm, acquiring quantities of pills/medication, researching ways to die).
• Exhibiting a dramatic change in behavior, including withdrawal from friends or usual activities, increased alcohol/drug use, difficulties in sleeping or eating, decreased self-care.

What should I do if I suspect someone is experiencing a crisis or is hurting?

If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember steps:

Ask – Ask, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may feel awkward, research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way.

Care – Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging, without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.

Escort – When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

Individual Impact:

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
• The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
• While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

• Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
  • 4.9% of all adults
  • 11.3% of young adults aged 18-25
  • 18.8% of high school students
  • 45% of lesbian, gay and bisexual high school students
• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white communities.
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
• Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.