Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2021, it was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths across the country. That same year, about 12.3 million U.S. adults thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan and about 1.7 million attempted suicide.

Suicide is rarely caused by a single event or occurrence. A range of individual, relationship, community and societal factors can increase risk.

Know the warning signs so that you can seek help for yourself or a loved one at risk. Warning signs include:

• Talking about being a burden

• Being isolated

• Experiencing increased anxiety

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Engaging in increased substance use

• Experiencing increased anger or rage

• Displaying extreme mood swings

• Expressing hopelessness

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Talking or posting about wanting to die

• Looking for a way to access lethal means

• Making plans for suicide

You can support a loved one at risk for suicide by being there for them, connecting them with help and following up.

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support or if you are experiencing mental health-related distress. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention #BeThere to Help Prevent Suicide page for more information on helping to prevent suicide.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention