Notes from the Field: Suicidal Thoughts and Knowing Someone Who Died by Suicide Among Adults — United States, 2023

Investigation and Outcomes

The National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System (RSS) is an online survey based on two probability-based panels. Round 2 RSS was fielded in October–November 2023, consists of responses from 7,046 adults, and includes survey weights to approximate nationally representative estimates for U.S. adults* (4). Prevalences of a “Yes” response to the following questions were measured overall and by eight demographic characteristics: “At any time in the past 12 months, did you seriously think about trying to kill yourself?” and “Do you personally know anyone who has died by suicide?” ProcSurvey procedures (SAS version 9.4; SAS Institute), using the Taylor series linearization method for estimating variances, were used to calculate weighted numbers, percentages, and associated 95% CIs (4). These activities were reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.^†

Overall, 5.3% of U.S. adults reported suicidal thoughts during the past 12 months (Table). The prevalence of suicidal thoughts was higher among persons aged 18–24 and 25–44 years and persons with lower household income. Results also varied by sexual orientation, with the highest percentage among bisexual persons. Overall, 42.4% of adults reported knowing someone who died by suicide. Percentages were higher among persons aged ≥45 years, non-Hispanic White persons, veterans, persons with at least some college education, and nonmetropolitan residents. Among those who reported suicidal thoughts, more than one half (57.9%) reported knowing someone who died by suicide, compared with 41.6% among those who did not report suicidal thoughts.

Preliminary Conclusions and Actions

This investigation provides timely national estimates of and demographic variation of suicidal thoughts and knowing someone who died by suicide. This type of rapid data collection can be replicated by CDC to get the right data, in the right place, at the right time to help guide decision-making and facilitate quick action (https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/policy-standards/data-authority.html). This study provides the latest estimates of the prevalence of knowing someone who died by suicide during one’s lifetime based on a nationally representative sample.

Results are subject to potential nonresponse bias because of the survey design (4); however, the finding that 5.3% of U.S. adults who reported suicidal thoughts is similar to 5.0% reported in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2,5). Estimated percentages of persons reporting suicidal thoughts for most subgroups in RSS also aligned with NSDUH estimates. RSS has a lower response rate than other surveys conducted by CDC, and might underrepresent certain subpopulations; however, data undergo extensive quality review (4). The findings in this report do not infer a causal relationship; however, knowing someone who died by suicide can influence suicidal thoughts (https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention/cluster.html).

This report is the first to use national survey data to indicate that more than two in five adults (42.4%) knew someone who had died by suicide, and more than one half of adults (57.9%) experiencing suicidal thoughts knew someone who had died by suicide. Identifying and supporting persons at risk for suicide, providing postvention support after a suicide occurs (i.e., activities that promote healing among survivors), and promoting safe messaging, which emphasizes that suicide is preventable, can be effective strategies and approaches in reducing suicide and future suicide risk (3). Strategies in CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action can normalize protective factors such as help-seeking behaviors and promoting healthy peer norms, while also reducing risk factors such as stigma about suicide and mental illness. Finally, upstream approaches including creating healthy organizational policies and protective environments, such as in places of employment and education, are also important because they can prevent a crisis point in the first place and reduce future suicide risk^§ (3).