Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 49,000 people committed suicide in 2023, which is 1 death every 11 minutes. In addition, 12.8 million seriously thought about committing suicide. In 2024, U.S. suicide rates climbed to levels not seen since 1941, where the age-adjusted rate rose to 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people and exceeded 49,300 in total, indicating a disturbing upward trend.
*This article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek professional help immediately.
While suicide does not spare anyone regardless of race, sex, or income, there are some disparities. Individuals identifying as Non-Hispanic Native Americans, Alaskan Native, and non-Hispanic White have the highest age-adjusted rates of suicide in the U.S. In addition, suicide rates among men are four times that of women, with men over 75 being most at risk, and areas with the highest income and best health coverage have significantly lower rates than low-income areas.
To raise awareness of this growing epidemic, September has been designated as National Suicide Prevention Month. Though dating back to the 1970s, when mental health advocates were interested in shining a light on suicide, National Suicide Prevention Month was formally recognized by Congress in 2008. The goal of the designation was to de-stigmatize mental health issues and foster conversation.
While there is no single cause of suicide, nor a single solution to prevent suicide, there are steps that can be taken. CDC research shows that communities with high levels of health insurance, home internet, and better income all play a role in lowering suicide rates. People with health insurance have better access to preventative measures such as physical care and mental health treatment. People with home internet access are better able to find job opportunities as well as stay connected to friends and family, thus reducing isolation. Lastly, adequate income levels mean access to stable housing, reduced financial strain concerning bills, and access to food and other necessities.
Few people have been untouched by suicide, and most people know at least one person who has taken their own life. In our region, numbers are up, which concerns local authorities. “While serving as EMT, Registered Nurse, and Coroner, I have looked at all unnatural deaths trying to determine those that are preventable,” said Charles Kiessling, Lycoming County Coroner. “Suicide deaths are preventable if we can get help to those persons suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.”
In an effort to understand factors related to suicide and come up with actionable solutions to prevent suicide, the CDC has invested in specific programs with the hope of making a positive impact. For example, in some areas, CDC funds were used to implement data-driven, community-based approaches to suicide prevention, with a focus on reaching rural populations. The CDC implemented several wide-ranging actions, including organizing and hosting trainings to increase mental health providers’ abilities to provide safe suicide care via telemedicine appointments. In addition, they launched a public health campaign to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with suicide. They also developed peer support networks among populations at higher risk of suicide, including farmers, first responders, and suicide loss survivors.
To prevent suicide, we must first understand key risk factors and how to protect against them. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely an individual will commit or attempt suicide and may include mental health conditions such as depression and substance abuse disorders, a history of experiencing trauma or abuse, chronic pain or illness, previous suicide attempts, and access to firearms. Protective measures are characteristics that make it less likely a person will attempt or commit suicide and may include strong social connections, coping skills, access to mental healthcare, and a strong sense of hope.
Furthermore, most suicide attempts are often preceded by warning signs. Signals that someone is contemplating suicide can include talking about the desire to die, looking up ways to kill oneself via internet searches, feelings of hopelessness, and feeling trapped. Other warning signs might be that a person is in constant pain, feels they are being a burden to loved ones, is increasing use of alcohol or drugs, is withdrawing from others, exhibits erratic behavior or mood swings, or gives away prized possessions.
So, what can you do to prevent suicide? According to the CDC, one of the most effective interventions if you are concerned about someone harming themselves is to just ask them if they are thinking of taking their life. While it may be uncomfortable to confront someone you care about directly, it may open a conversation. Also, being present and listening when someone wants to talk. They may be dropping hints that they aren’t doing well and just need someone to be there for them. In addition, suicide is sometimes an impulsive act, and having quick access to firearms may increase risk.
Gun locks, safes, and other restrictive devices might slow a person down just enough for them to have time for second thoughts about harming themselves. These devices are often available for free from the State Department of Health, county officials, and law enforcement. Connecting with support such as mental health professionals, support groups, and crisis hotlines are also critically important in suicide prevention. “Securing firearms can save lives when people are suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts,” said Kiessling. (Kiesling advocates lethal-means safety by safely storing firearms and using gun locks, which are available free to the public at many area agencies listed below.)
Connecting people in crisis to ongoing support is also critically important. Examples of support might be a crisis helpline, such as 988, and the Crisis Lifeline. People contemplating suicide should also be connected to mental health professionals and might possibly benefit from support groups. In addition, follow-up is usually necessary, and people in crisis need to know that people are still concerned and care for them.
On the community, state, and federal levels, the CDC proposes seven key strategies for combating suicide.
– Strengthening Economic Support: Improved household financial security to alleviate the stress of paying for necessities such as food and access to stable housing.
– Create Protective Environments: Reduce access to firearms and other lethal means and reduce substance abuse.
– Improved Access and Delivery of Suicide Care: Ensure timely access to evidence-based treatments such as counseling, increased provider availability, and culturally appropriate treatment.
– Promote Health Connections: Encourage healthy peer norms and engage community members in social connection and activities.
– Teach Coping Skills: Community support for social-emotional programs and resilience building.
– Identifying and Supporting People at Risk: Train individuals to recognize people at risk of suicide, increased suicide screening, and follow-up interventions after a suicide for those that are affected.
– Responsible Reporting: The media often plays a role in suicides, as we are in an age of 24/7 attention and news. Professionals as well as lay people need to be safe and considerate when posting anything.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help and know that the world is much better off with you in it.
Important Resources:
– 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 in the United States for free and confidential support 24/7.
– Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-SUICIDE, 1-800-784-2433
– Lycoming Country Crisis Intervention: 570-326-7895
– Clinton County: text 741741
– Center for Community Resources: 1-844-707-3224, or text 63288
– Walk-in Center: – 800 W. 4th St. Williamsport
Free Gun Locks: Lycoming County VA Office, Veterans Center, Williamsport VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, PADMVA, and Lycoming County Department of Health.
