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Home > Topics > Health > Suicide Prevention

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Suicide Prevention

More than 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. It is this country's 11th leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24. Suicide is not about wanting to die, but about a powerful need for pain to end. People choose suicide because they feel unable to cope with feelings of pain, hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, and uncertainties.

Studies indicate that the best way to prevent suicide is through the early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses that lead to suicidal tendencies. Because people who want to die by suicide almost always suffer from isolation and loneliness, you can help them simply by reaching out, listening, and letting them know you care. Often, with time and the help of others, suicidal feelings do pass. Suicide is a permanent "solution" to what is most likely a temporary problem.

The more you know about suicide, the better you will be able to help someone struggling with these issues. Use the resources on this page to learn more about the warning signs of suicide, and what you can do to help promote suicide awareness and prevention.

According to the APA, four out of five people who attempt suicide have given clear warnings.

The strongest warning sign is verbal. Common remarks are: "I can't go on," "Nothing matters any more" or even "I'm thinking of ending it all." Take these comments seriously.

Other common warning signs include:

•	Becoming depressed or withdrawn
•	Behaving recklessly
•	Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions
•	Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes or appearance
•	Abusing drugs or alcohol
•	Suffering a major loss or life change

Source: Befrienders International

Make A Donation
Support suicide prevention.

Donate to one of the charities below, or search for another related charity.

Active Minds
Addressing suicide prevention among the high-risk group of college students.

American Association of Suicidology
Dedicated to understanding & preventing suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Advancing knowledge of suicide & our ability to prevent it.

Families for Depression Awareness
Helping families recognize & cope with depressive disorders.

Jason Foundation
Increasing awareness & prevention of youth suicide.

The Jed Foundation
Reducing the suicide rate among college and university students.

Light for Life Foundation
For the prevention of teen suicide.

National Mental Health Association
Leading the way for America's mental health.

National Suicide Help Center
Hotline & crisis intervention.

Not My Kid
Raising awareness about youth & adolescent mental & behavioral health issues.

Parents Against Teen Suicide
Teen education & crisis hotline.

SA/VE
Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education

Samaritans
Confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
Increasing awareness about suicide & advocating for suicide prevention.

Be A Volunteer
You can help prevent suicide by volunteering in your community.

Explore one of the volunteer opportunities here, or search for another near you.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Register for an "Out of the Darkness" walk.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Make a difference in a child's life.

Bright Side
Brighten up someone's life.

Lifekeeper Foundation
Contribute to the National Memory Quilt.

Not My Kid
Be a virtual volunteer.

SA/VE

Meet the challenges of suicide prevention.

Download a Community Action Kit.

Samaritans
Be a "listener for life."

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
Participate in an awareness event.

Learn More
The more we know about suicide and its warning signs, the more we can do to prevent it.

Use the resources below to learn more.

American Psychological Association
How to find help for life's problems.

Bright Side
Educational materials & resources to help you cope with depression, grief, or suicide.

Families for Depression Awareness
Resources to help families recognize & manage depression.

Gift of Keith
Information for sibling survivors.

HEARTBEAT
Support for those who have lost a loved one through suicide.

National Mental Health Association
Become an effective voice for change.

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Mental health policy & legislation.

National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
Stop youth violence before it starts.

Not My Kid
Parent Help.

Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
Send advocacy letters.