#BeThere to Help Prevent Suicide
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities.
A CDC study showed that a range of factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and where to get help.
Suicide is a public health problem because of its far-reaching effects:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for nearly 46,000 deaths in 2020.
- In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million made a plan for suicide, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
- People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence are at higher risk for suicide.
- While 2020 data show a 3% overall decline in suicide rates since 2019, the pandemic has increased many risk factors for suicide, such as social isolation and barriers to physical and mental healthcare, so we must remain vigilant with our prevention efforts.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. You can #BeThere and #BeThe1To to help a friend, loved one, or coworker. Everyone can learn the warning signs and how to get help.
Individual, relationship, community, and societal factors may influence the risk of suicide. Know the suicide warning signs including:
- Feeling like a burden
- Being isolated
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance use
- Looking for a way to access lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for suicide
Learn what CDC is doing for Suicide Prevention
Partner Resources
CDC has developed a technical package, Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices [PDF 6 MB, 62 Pages] that provides the best available evidence for suicide prevention. Also available in Spanish [PDF 34 MB, 64 Pages].
The technical package informs a comprehensive, multi-level and multi-sectoral approach within communities and states.
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.
Safeguard the people in your life from the risk of suicide and support them:
- Ask.
- Keep them safe.
- Be there.
- Help them connect. You can start with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
- Follow up.
Find out how these actions can save a life by visiting www.BeThe1To.com.
Everyone can play a part in preventing suicide!