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Facts and Resources

Facts and Resources

The Center for Disease Control estimates that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. There is no single cause of suicide as it impacts all ages and genders. Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, as well as having knowledge of available resources, can help prevent suicide.

Facts About Suicide

Preventing Suicide Fact Sheet 2024
Suicide Facts and Figures: Michigan 2024

Boats at a dock

Risk and Protective Factors

Risk Factors:
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) risk factors are characteristics of a person or his or her environment that increase the likelihood that he or she will die by suicide (i.e., suicide risk).

Major risk factors for suicide include:

  • Prior suicide attempt(s)
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
  • Access to lethal means
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
  • Barriers to accessing mental health treatment

Protective Factors:
Protective factors are personal or environmental characteristics that help protect people from suicide.

Major protective factors for suicide include:

  • Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
  • Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
  • Life skills (including problem solving skills and coping skills, ability to adapt to change)
  • Hope for the future-optimism
  • Strong sense of self-worth or self-esteem
  • Family and community support
  • Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide

About Suicide – Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention: Help Someone Else

Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
www.988lifeline.org

Veterans Crisis Text Line offers immediate assistance for veterans, Text 838255
www.veteranscrisisline.net

Crisis Text Line offers 24 hour crisis text support, Text HOME to 741741
www.crisistextline.org