Suicide Facts

Suicide Facts

• Every 17 minutes another life is lost to suicide.

• Males complete suicide at a rate 4 times that of females.

• Females attempt suicide 3 times more often than males.

• Each day there are approximately 11 youth suicides (15-24 years old).

• There are an estimated 25 attempted suicides for every one death by suicide. It is estimated that over 5 million Americans have attempted suicide.

• Elderly adults have rates of suicide close to 50% higher than that of the nation as a whole.

Center for Disease Control (CDC): CDC Suicide Fact Sheet
American Association of Suicidology: AAS Suicide Fact Sheets


Warning Signs of Suicide

• Threats of or talk of suicide and death

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Depression – changes in eating/sleeping patterns

• Loss of interest in favorite things

• Recent accidents or “close calls”

• Behavioral changes

• “Good-bye” talk & giving away possessions

• Sudden cheerfulness, as though a solution is in sight

• No hope for the future ~ believing that things will never get better

(This is not a complete list of warning signs but does include common signs.)

What to do If Someone You Know is Suicidal

• Talk about suicide. Ask: “How bad is it? Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Asking someone if they are feeling suicidal will not give them the idea. In fact, asking someone if they are feeling suicidal might actually bring them some relief knowing that others are aware of how they are feeling and the severity of the problem. Be direct and be willing to talk about suicide.

• If the answer is “yes,” ask: “Have you thought about how you would do it? Have you decided when you will do it? Do you have the means?”

• Listen! Talking about what the person is feeling may help release some of the pressure.

• Don’t judge!

• Take it seriously.

• Prevent isolation.

• Recognize your own limitation. You can’t make it “all better” or take their pain away.

• Help connect with existing resources.

• Make a contract. Try to make a verbal agreement with the person to contact you before he or she follows through with suicidal intentions.

• Don’t keep the secret. Please contact 1-800-SUICIDE if you are or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Or contact a local suicide prevention/crisis intervention hotline, school counselor, a mental health agency, a family physician, therapist, or religious leader.

For more information, visit American Association of Suicidology

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The Suicide and Crisis Foundation of Santa Clara County is an education
and resource organization. We do not provide direct services or counseling.
IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, please call 1-800-SUICIDE. (1-800-784-2433)