This is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide while acknowledging those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the individuals, families and communities that have felt the impact of suicide. This month is to raise awareness and promote resources that can give hope to anyone in need. Suicide is a public health issue that affects people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds. Suicide is preventable and with more awareness, education and research we can prevent deaths of thousands of Americans every year.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for professional support for you or your loved one. This lifeline is accessible 24/7 and can also provide additional resources for finding a therapist or support group, building and using a support network, and make a safety plan.
Facts:
Sources: State Fact Sheets | AFSP
Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide Prevention | CDC
ISP: Indiana Jake Laird Law (Red Flag Law)
- In 2022, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States
- On average, that is one death every 11 minutes
- Many adults in the U.S. attempt or think about suicide frequently, according to 2022 data:
- 13.2 million people seriously thought about suicide
- 3.8 million people made a plan for suicide
- 1.6 million people attempted suicide
- In Indiana, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds and 25-34 year olds
- The suicide rate is higher for men, being almost four times higher than the rate of females in 2022
- Firearms are the most common method used for suicide
- In 2022, firearms were used in more than 50% of all suicides
- If you suspect someone is in a crisis, temporarily remove firearms from the individual’s home
- Indiana’s Red Flag Law, also known as the Jake Laird Law, allows law enforcement to temporarily seize and retain firearms from individuals that deem to be unsafe to themselves or others
Who’s at risk?
Source: What is Suicide and Suicidal Behavior? | SAMHSA
Anyone can be at risk of suicide, but there are factors that can increase the risk for suicide. These risk factors can be individual, relationship, community or societally rooted.
The main risk factors can include:
- Depression or other mental disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Chronic pain
- Exposure to violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Family history of suicide, mental disorders or substance use disorder
- Trouble in school or with the law
Other at-risk populations include:
- Adults over the age of 45 years old
- Middle-aged people, especially men, have the highest rate of suicide compared to other groups
- In the U.S., men and women aged 45-54 years old account for 80% of all deaths by suicide
- Many factors could contribute to the risk for this population, including isolation, history of violence and access to lethal means
- American Indians
- Young American Indian men are at high risk for suicide compared to other groups
- In addition to the risk factors affecting other groups, American Indian men face additional struggles, such as historical trauma, cultural distress, poverty, geographic isolation, and suicide in their community
Other groups at risk include:
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+
- Youth and young adults
- Individuals who have previously attempted suicide
- Loss survivors
- Disaster survivors
Learn the FACTS:
Source: Suicide-Toolkit_Full2020.pdf (in.gov)
The warning signs of suicide may not be obvious, but a first step towards helping someone could be becoming aware of the FACTS.
- F – Feelings – expressing hopelessness about the future
- A – Actions – displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress
- C – Changes – showing changes in behavior, like isolation from friends and social activities, anger, hostility, or changes in sleep
- T – Threats – talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide
- S – Situations – experiencing situations that can serve as triggers for suicide, including experiencing a loss, personal humiliation, trouble in school, at home, or with the law
If you notice these signs in someone, ask them directly if they are having suicidal ideations and connect them with help.
How you can help:
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing or harming themselves
- Important to note – asking this question will not put the idea into their head, nor increase the likelihood that they will attempt suicide
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to talk to a professional
- Listen without judging and show that you care
- Stay with the person, or make sure that the person is safe with someone else until you can get further help
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Take the time to be aware and notice changes in one’s behavior
- Encourage talking and seeking professional help
- Offer the person your help in getting them support
- Maintain connection and continue checking in on that person
Additional Resources:
Click here to view the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
To view the Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources Toolkit, click here.
The Trevor Project
Trained counselors for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are available to text, chat online, or call. Text “START” to 678-678, call 1-866-488-7386, or send an online message here to get started getting support!
Thank you for helping keep Hoosiers safe. Please feel free to reach out to Olivia Hesler at OHesler@health.in.gov with any questions or to request additional information.
