If you, or someone you know is in danger of self-injury, call 911.

The issue of suicide is clouded by stigma and denial. Learning the warning signs of individuals at risk and understanding the truths is a critical step in reducing the incidence of suicide in our community.

Suicide Statistics:

• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Over 33,000 people kill themselves each year.
• One person dies by suicide every 16 minutes.
• It is estimated that more the 750,000 people attempt suicide every year.
• Guns are the leading means of suicide death.
• Men die by suicide 4 times more often than women.
• Women attempt suicide 3 times more often than men.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24.
• In Mass. people die by suicide 2 ½ times more often than by homicide.
• For every suicide death, it is estimated that there are 6 survivors.

Suicide Facts:

• Talking about suicide WILL NOT put the idea into someone’s mind. The truth is most people will be relieved that someone has noticed their pain and are willing to help.
• People who die by suicide DO NOT always leave notes.
• People who die by suicide generally DO warn others. Eight out of 10 people have given clues as to their intentions. Knowing the risk factors and warning signs and talking with the person is a major factor in preventing suicide.
• It is estimated that more the 750,000 people attempt suicide every year.
• People who talk about suicide MAY be trying to get attention in order to get help. They should be taken seriously.
• Over 70% of people who threaten to carry out a suicide either make an attempt or die by suicide.
• If a person attempts suicide, it IS likely they will try again. 80% of those who die by suicide have made at least one previous attempt.
• Once a person’s emotional state improves, the risk of suicide IS NOT necessarily over. It may mean that they have made the decision to die by suicide and are feeling relieved at their decision.
• Most people who think about suicide ARE AMBIVALENT right up until the end. Most people don’t want to die; they want the pain to stop.
• Most suicides ARE preventable. There are effective treatments for mental health and substance abuse problems.
• For every suicide death, it is estimated that there are 6 survivors.
• Most suicides occur during the SPRING months, not the holidays.

Risk Factors:

• Mental health issues/substance abuse problems
• Being male
• Family history and/or exposure to suicide or mental health issues
• Previous suicide attempt
• Abuse (physical, drug, domestic)
• Losses (family, friends, work, financial, etc.)
• Being widowed, divorced or a suicide survivor
• Aggressive or impulsive behavior
• Lack of support structures
• Poor help-seeking skills
• Access to means for self-injury
• Difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation
• Physical illness.
• Family disruptions (divorce, problems with the law, a traumatic event)

Warning Signs:

• Hopelessness, helplessness
• Preoccupation with death or suicide
• Withdrawal from family, friends, sports, social activities
• Drastic changes in behavior
• Depression
• Giving away possessions
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Lack of energy
• Unable to think clearly, can’t make decisions, can’t see a future without pain
• Loss of interest in work, school, hobbies, social activities
• Declining school performance or increased absences from school
• Changes in appetite, sleeping habits, personal appearance
• Sudden cheerfulness after a period of depression
• Recurring themes of death or self-destruction in writing assignments or art projects
• Peer pressure, bullying, internet bullying
• Financial worries
• Self-imposed worries and stress about succeeding in school, sports, work

Protective Factors:

• Sense of humor
• Support network (family, friends, coaches, teachers)
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to express emotions and ask for help
• Faith
• Sense of hope and optimism
• “Survivor” mentality
• Good nutrition and regular exercise
• Sense of achievements/success/esteem/being needed
• Connectedness to family, community, church
• Being flexible
• Sense of purpose
• Having access to and knowledge of resources for help

How to talk with someone at risk of suicide:

• Remain calm. Be honest with the person, let them know you care, that there is hope and that you will help.
• Be compassionate. Acknowledge that what they are going through is difficult.
• Let the person know that talking can help alleviate the feeling of hopelessness. Help the person evaluate how they have coped with other situations in the past.
• Help the person talk about their feelings.
• DO NOT LEAVE ANY INDIVIDUAL IN IMMINENT DANGER OF SUICIDE ALONE. Make arrangements for professional help, call 911, or go to the emergency room.
• Remove any lethal means from the person’s environment.
• Do not agree to confidentiality.
• Be candid about what the person is feeling and thinking. Ask the question directly “Do you sometimes feel so bad that you think about suicide?”
• If the person has thought about suicide, find out if they have a plan, if they have the means, and if they’ve told anyone else about this.
• If you don’t feel as though you can handle a discussion about suicide, get somebody who can. Don’t ignore the situation.
• Do not warn, moralize, preach, give advice or judge what the person is telling you.
• Actively listen to content and feeling.
• Be prepared to get appropriate help.
• If you’re not getting the help you are seeking for your friend, keep trying. Ask someone else!

Where to get help:

• If an emergency, call 911
• A family member or friend
• A family doctor
• A mental health agency or therapist
• A school teacher, coach, guidance counselor, etc.
• A religious leader
• An emergency room
• Samaritans help lines:

1-866-912-HOPE (4673) (toll free) OR 978-327-6607

Teen Help Line: 978-688-8336 (TEEN)

Samaritans Statewide Help Line: 1-877-870-4673 (HOPE)*

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

*The Samaritans Statewide Help Line is a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Health and all the Samaritans' offices in Massachusetts - Boston/Framingham, Cape Cod and the Islands, Fall River, and Merrimack Valley.