Suicide

Suicide

Suicide is the act of killing yourself, most often as a result of depression or other mental illness.

In the United States, suicide accounts for about 2 percent of all deaths. Rates are highest for men over 69, but are increasing alarmingly in young people aged 15 to 24.

Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology

What You Can Do

  • Suicide warning signs

    Losing interest in work or school, giving away beloved possessions and withdrawing from friends can be signs someone is thinking of suicide. Learn how to recognize the danger signals.

Getting Help

  • Teen Suicide is Preventable

    Teen suicide is a growing health concern. It is the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.


APA Monitor on Psychology

  • Big data help prevent Army suicides
    The Army and NIMH are identifying the risk factors that can lead members of the military to commit suicide. (April 2015)
  • Suicide prevention is a top White House priority
    A new suicide prevention app, a faith-based prevention campaign and more than $99 million in mental health grants were among the federal efforts highlighted at a White House briefing on mental health and suicide prevention. (November 2014)
  • A public health approach to suicide
    The federally funded Suicide Prevention Resource Center offers training, publications and more. (April 2014)
  • Reducing rural suicide
    Psychologists are finding innovative ways to reach out to people in isolated communities. (April 2014)
  • Suicide prevention goes to school
    The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act's grant programs fund suicide prevention efforts on both college campuses and in states, territories and tribal areas. Magazine Article (April 2014)
  • Our opportunity to reduce suicide
    Societal change on suicide requires adopting a public health perspective. (April 2014)

News

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