Understanding and preventing suicide
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 988.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.1 In an effort to raise awareness, National Suicide Prevention Week is a campaign held every September in the U.S. The focus of the campaign is to inspire people to learn how to identify warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Having real, open conversations with people at risk can make a real difference and save lives.
Suicide is a leading cause of death for people in most age groups. But often people who seriously consider suicide don’t really want to die. They may think that suicide is the only way to solve their problems and end their pain.
People who have suicidal thoughts may not seek help because they feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless. These feelings may come from having a mental health problem such as depression. These problems can be treated. It’s important to seek help when suicidal thoughts occur. With treatment, people can feel better.
Many people have fleeting thoughts of death. These are less of a problem and are different from actively planning to try suicide. The risk of suicide is higher if someone often thinks about death and killing themself or if they have made a suicide plan.
Who’s at risk
Most people who seriously consider or attempt suicide have one or more of the following risks:
- Personal history of suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide attempts or completed suicide
- Personal or family history of severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health problem, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Drug or alcohol problem (substance use disorder)
The chance of suicide is most serious when a person has a plan for suicide that includes:
- Having the means available to try suicide or to harm another person, such as weapons or pills
- Having set a time and place to try suicide
- Thinking there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain
People who consider suicide often are undecided about choosing life or death. With compassion and support, they may choose to live.
The warning signs of suicide may change with age. For example:
- In children and teens, they may include the recent breakup of a relationship.
- In adults, they may include a recent job loss or divorce.
- In older adults, they may include the recent death of a partner or being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
What is the connection between depression and suicide?
People who have depression may feel so bad that they think about suicide. They may feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. They may see suicide as a way to solve their problems or end their pain.
Other symptoms of depression, besides suicidal behavior, include:
- Feeling sad, empty, or tearful nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities that the person enjoyed in the past
- Sleeping or eating more or less than usual
- Having trouble thinking and concentrating
- Having headaches or stomachaches
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling guilty and/or not letting others praise or reward them
Take any mention of suicide seriously. If someone talks about suicide, self-harm, or feeling hopeless, get help right away.
Getting help
Support when a person has suicidal thoughts
If you or someone is thinking about suicide, it can help to talk to someone about your feelings. It may not be easy to reach out for help, but it’s so important. We all need support from time to time, and there are people who want to help. Consider talking with a:
- Trusted family member, friend, or spiritual advisor
- Health professional such as a doctor or therapist/counselor
- Mental health resource such as a community mental health agency or employee assistance program
Get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.orgfor more information or to chat online.
Support for Surest members
If you or a covered dependent are not in crisis, you can find a therapist or other services using the Surest app or website. Search “Mental health therapy” and click “Find providers” to locate an in-network therapists, either in-person or virtually. You can also find programs within the Surest app to help you. Read the Mental health guide to assist you in navigating your benefits.
Surest also has a team of Clinical advocates who can help you navigate your benefits and find care. Click here to request help from one of our clinical advocates.