Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally across all age groups. It can be prevented by identifying people in distress and connecting them to care.
Prevention strategies include means restriction, gatekeeper training and education for primary health care providers and the general public on warning signs and resources. Also, responsible media coverage that does not include details about the method of suicide has been shown to reduce suicide contagion.
Identifying People at Risk
Suicide is a complex issue and every death is a tragedy. However, most suicides are preventable. There is a strong connection between mental illness and suicidal feelings, but not everyone who has suicidal thoughts or actions has a mental health problem.
People at risk for suicide may exhibit changes in their behavior, including withdrawing from friends and family or making plans for when they die. These signs are often a cry for help and should be taken seriously.
People in some groups, such as veterans, those who live in rural areas, those who are sexual minorities, those with a history of depression or other mental illness and those in tribal communities, experience more negative conditions and have higher rates of suicide than the general U.S. population. This is called a health disparity and can be addressed through community-based approaches. Some examples of these efforts include putting up suicide hotline numbers on train and bus platforms, implementing platform screen doors (which have been successful at reducing suicides in urban mass transit systems) and deploying a trained staff to monitor people around rail and highway sites.
Reducing Access to Lethal Means
One common myth about suicide prevention is that individuals who want to die will always find a way. This is not true, and reducing access to lethal means can save lives.
Restricting means of suicide (also known as means restriction) involves limiting physical access to certain methods or removing them altogether. Examples include providing gun locks, limiting medications in packages, erecting barriers at bridges and other high risk-areas, and removing items that can be used as ligature points. Means restriction efforts should be focused on those methods that cause most deaths and/or have a high case fatality ratio.
The SPRC offers a free virtual course on counseling to reduce access to lethal means to help health care providers feel more comfortable and competent asking clients about their access to firearms and other dangerous medications. Families and other nontraditional providers can also assist by encouraging clients to store their means safely at home. Research has shown that this approach can be particularly effective among youth.
Supportive Relationships and Community Connectedness
During periods of emotional pain, meaningful connections and validation from others can be critical to survival. Socially isolated people are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Community-level activities can include school and work-based mentoring, peer support, and suicide prevention groups. These efforts may also promote active participation in community events, such as community cleanups or festivals.
Research shows that individuals with stronger relationships experience a more resilient response to stress and have a better chance of surviving heart disease or cancer. Moreover, people with strong community social networks have about a third less risk of mental illness than those without such connections.
Communities can also help by supporting local organizations that serve at-risk populations. For example, the CDC-funded Michigan Preventing Suicide in Men program brings together business leaders, faith communities, and other groups to build a network of support for men at high risk for suicide. This approach allows them to share data and information on risk factors, warning signs, and suicide trends within the community.
Educating the Public
Suicide prevention strategies have proven effective for many people at risk, from those who have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors to those who have not. Some of the most effective strategies include reducing access to lethal means, identifying and treating mental disorders, and supporting supportive relationships and community connectedness.
All New Yorkers can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs and how to support someone who may be struggling. A comprehensive education campaign can also reduce stigma and encourage people to seek care.
Research-informed communication activities can address a range of settings and populations, from schools to faith communities, workplaces to primary health care settings. The CDC offers resources to develop and implement communications campaigns, including guidelines for messaging on suicide prevention. In addition, the Best Practice Registry provides information on programs that have been shown to be effective in preventing suicide. (Suicide is a global concern, with 77% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.)