About Suicide

Suicide claims the lives of over 49,000 (49,476) across the United States according to the latest statistics by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.  A suicide happens approximately every 10.6 minutes which is the equivalent of 136 people (the equivalent of a passenger list on an airplane) who die every day.  There are over 1,200,000 (1,236,900 annual attempts in U.S. (using 25:1 ratio) or one attempt every 25.5 seconds) attempts each year.

Around the world, close to 800,000 people die from suicide every year.  That’s one person every 40 seconds.  Due to the stigma associated with suicide – and the fact that it is illegal in some countries – this figure is also likely to be an underestimate, with some suicides being classified as unintentional injuries.  Unfortunately, this exists in the United States as well.

Suicide occurs within ALL ages, races, genders, sexuality, faith denominations, occupations, incomes and educational levels…suicide can affect anyone and everyone.  We also know that ONE SUICIDE death or attempt IS TOO MANY.

How To Get Help

Thinking about suicide or hearing someone say that they are thinking about can be scary, to the person that is contemplating taking their life or to the family member or friend who is trying to help them.  

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please follow the below steps to help yourself, a friend, or loved one.

People Attending Self Help Therapy Group Meeting In Community Center

Call 988 or Text 988

Thinking about suicide or hearing someone say that they are thinking about can be scary, to the person that is contemplating taking their life or to the family member or friend who is trying to help them.  

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please follow the below steps to help yourself, a friend, or loved one.

What to do if you think someone is suicidal: Here are some tips according to the Mayo Clinic.

Look for Warning Signs

You can't always tell when a loved one or friend is considering suicide. But here are some common signs:

  • Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
  • Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
  • Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
  • Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
  • Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
  • Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
  • Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
  • Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
  • Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
  • Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
  • Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
Unhappy lonely older woman sitting alone and thinking about problems
Closeup of crying black woman hugging her girlfriend or sister, home interior, copy space. Unrecognizable african american lady supporting her upset friend, giving her hug, saying good words

If someone has attempted suicide:

  • Don't leave the person alone.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room yourself.
  • Try to find out if he or she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or may have taken an overdose.
  • Tell a family member or friend right away what's going on.

If a friend or loved one talks or behaves in a way that makes you believe he or she might attempt suicide, don't try to handle the situation alone:

  • Get help from a trained professional as quickly as possible. The person may need to be hospitalized until the suicidal crisis has passed.
  • Encourage the person to call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press "1" to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

Take All Signs of Suicidal Behavior Seriously

If someone says he or she is thinking of suicide or behaves in a way that makes you think the person may be suicidal, don't play it down or ignore the situation. Many people who kill themselves have expressed the intention at some point. You may worry that you're overreacting, but the safety of your friend or loved one is most important. Don't worry about straining your relationship when someone's life is at stake. You're not responsible for preventing someone from taking his or her own life — but your intervention may help the person see that other options are available to stay safe and get treatment.

 

Please visit our Resources page for further information on where to get help.

SuicidePreventionAlliance

Get In Touch

  • P.O. Box 62217
    Harrisburg, PA 17106

  • (717) 585-0611

  • info@
    suicidepreventionalliance.org

Who We Are

Suicide Prevention Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps people who are in need of preventative suicide assistance

Suicide Prevention Alliance is a resource organization ONLY. We are NOT a hotline or counseling service/center. However, if you are in a crisis and need immediate help, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and call 988 or chatline at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line and text 741-741 or contact 911.