QUICK FACTS

• Each year, approximately 30,000 people die by suicide in the United States, almost doubling those who die by homicide each year.
• Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death.
• 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental illness.
• 70% of people who die by suicide tell someone about it in advance, and most are not in treatment.
• Those who have made a serious attempt in the past are at much higher risk for actually taking their lives. Between 20 and 40% of people who kill themselves have previously attempted suicide.
• Nearly 50% of suicide victims have a positive blood alcohol level.
• Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed.
• Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often is expressed instead as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyable.
• Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away forever.

RESOURCES AND OTHER FACT SHEETS

• American Association of Suicidology
• American Psychological Association
• Families for Depression Awareness
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center