Suicide & Suicide Prevention: About

Image credit: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Suicide is a major public health concern. In 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 45,900 people. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.

Suicide is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, and they die as a result.

A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, but they do not die.

Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.

Source:

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention