Announcements Health & Environment

CDC Shares Risk Factors and Warning Signs to Aide Suicide Prevention

In light of a recent high-profile news story, it is important to spread awareness around suicides and suicide prevention. According to the CDC, suicide is at a 30-year high. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States; 54% of suicide deaths are not related to mental health issues.

Suicide is defined as a person who directs violence at themselves.

Risk factors are:

  • previous suicide attempts
  • family history of suicide
  • depression or other mental health issues
  • problems with alcohol and other drugs
  • being between that ages of 15-24 or over age 60
  • having a medical illness

Warning signs are:

  • thinking about harming/killing one’s self
  • having a plan to harm or kill one’s self
  • feeling empty or hopeless
  • feeling unbearable pain from either a medical or mental health issue
  • increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • being withdrawn

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, get help right as soon as possible. Call the suicide prevention helpline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Samaritans: 1-877-HOPE (4673) or call your health care provider or get to an emergency department.