fbpx

Suicide and Prevention

Know the risk factors and warning signs

Suicide Facts and Prevention

People with mental health disorders are at greater risk of considering, attempting or dying by suicide. Research has shown that when mental health disorders are not treated, the risk of dying by suicide is greater.

Suicide is when someone purposefully causes their own death. A suicide attempt refers to someone hurting themselves in hopes of ending their life but the attempt did not work and they stay alive. There is no single cause of suicide. It is important to know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide to help prevent it from happening.

RISK FACTORS WARNING SIGNS
  • Mental health disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive/aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma/abuse
  • Serious physical illness
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • A recent loss of a family member, job, finances, etc.
  • Easy access to objects to commit suicide (weapons, substances, etc.)
  • Lack of social support/isolation
  • Lack of physical and mental healthcare
  • Exposure to others who have died by suicide
  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling hopelessness or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Giving away their belongings
  • Increasing the use of alcohol/drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
  • Sleeping too much/too little
  • Withdrawing/isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about getting revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

Suicide statistics in the United States:

  • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • In 2019, 47,511 people in the U.S. died because of suicide.
    • There were around 1.38 million suicide attempts in 2019.
  • Suicide is most common among middle-aged, White men
    • In 2019, men were 3.63 times more likely to die by suicide than women
    • White males made up 69.38% of deaths because of suicide in 2019
  • There are an average 130 suicides each day

Suicide statistics in Alabama:

  • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Alabama
    • 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34
    • 4th leading cause of death for people ages 35-44
    • 6th leading cause of death for people ages 45-54
  • In 2020, 823 people died because of suicide in Alabama
  • On average, 1 person dies by suicide every 11 hours in Alabama

Taking the time to understand suicide and mental health is an important step in suicide prevention and ending the stigma.

Evidence shows that providing support, talking about suicide, reducing access to self-harm, and following up with loved ones are some actions we can take to help others.

Suicide is unavoidable. By breaking the stigma, providing support, and helping others in need, we can help prevent suicide and save lives.

If you or anyone you know is at risk of suicide,
the Lifeline Helpline anytime.

1-800-273-8255

Health Topics

Main Menu
Contact Us
Scroll to Top