MSU Extension Food & Health

World Suicide Prevention Day is held annually on September 10. The day was established in 2003 as a collaboration between the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), The World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).

This year, over 60 countries across the world will join with the United States to participate in the observance with the purpose of reducing stigma, raising awareness for seeking help, remembering those who lost their lives to suicide and honoring survivors.

Key facts about suicide in the United States

• Suicide is a leading cause of death and is a major public health concern.
• In 2022, 49,476 people died by suicide in the United States.
• Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death.
• Of adults ages 18 and older, 13.2 million reported having serious thoughts of suicide in 2022.
• During the past year, 1.6 million adults attempted suicide.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 35–44.
• Firearms, suffocation and poisoning are the most common methods of suicide.

Although suicide is a major public health concern in the United States, it is preventable with appropriate and timely intervention. Identifying who is at risk is a good place to start thinking about how deaths might be prevented.

Different groups have different risk factors. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, lack of acceptance from family, bullying and discrimination are the main risk factors for suicide. Historical trauma is a known risk factor that contributes to high suicide rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Other risk factors for the general population include suffering from an untreated mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, having a substance or alcohol use disorder, having a previous suicide attempt, isolation, experiencing abuse or neglect as a child, having a close family member that died by suicide, and access to lethal weapons, such as firearms. There is also a link between experiencing major life stressors, such as financial problems, chronic pain and illness, relationship break-up and other kinds of loss. Still, some suicides appear to be the result of an impulsive decision amid an unexpected crisis.

On the flip side, there are protective factors that, when present, decrease the risk that someone may die by suicide. Protective factors include:

• Having the ability to solve problems, manage stress and adapt to changes.
• A sense of belonging to others in a family, community or through other social networks.
• Establishing a sense of purpose for life.
• Spiritual and/or cultural beliefs that cultivate a sense of meaning, increase one’s sense of worth or value, and discourage individuals from acting on suicidal thoughts.
• Access to evidence-based behavioral healthcare focused on suicidal thoughts, ideas and behaviors and any accompanying mental health or substance use disorders.

A call to action

Individually and collectively, there are many things we can do to prevent suicide. Prevention starts with reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. Focusing just on things one can do at the individual level, if inspired, here are some proposed activities:

• Connect with others. If you notice that someone within your family, at work or in the community might be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, don’t be afraid to connect and offer encouragement, validation, empathy and support. If appropriate, start a supportive conversation about suicide and explore ways that they can get mental health treatment. These actions could make a meaningful difference in the life of someone who is struggling.
• Advocate. Support initiatives and engage in conversation that normalizes talking about mental health and aims to reduce barriers to care. If you have the opportunity, promote awareness of seeking mental health help when needed within your circles and beyond.
• Stay up to date on information. If you desire to learn more and do more, there are many ways to get training focused on prevention and intervention and the role you can play. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension offers certification in Mental Health First Aid, an early intervention program that teaches skills to identify, assess, and intervene during a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis in adults ages 18 and over.

In addition to Mental Health First Aid, MSU Extension offers a host of other important programs created to help adults reduce stress and manage their mental health, meet farm stress needs with tools, resources and education and prevent opioid misuse.

On this day and every day, we can all play a role to prevent and decrease deaths by suicide within our communities. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lifeline provides confidential support via phone, text, or live chat to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Learn what to expect if you call 988. You can also connect for help through these resources:

• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
• National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.
• Trevor Project: Text 678-678, chat at TheTrevorProject.org, call 866-488-7386.
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673).
• National Alliance for Eating Disorders: Call 866-662-1235.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Visit the Treatment Locator at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).