About Suicide Prevention

Key points

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for over 49,000 deaths in 2023.1
  • In 2023, an estimated 12.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide.2
  • The suicide rate in 2023 was 4.5% higher than that of 2020.1

Overview

Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience.

Helplines

Talk to someone now

988 suicide and crisis lifeline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.

Do you know a veteran in crisis?

Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988 then press 1
Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988 then press 1

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs:

Spotlight

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention 2024. Care. Connect. Collaborate.
Care. Connect. Collaborate.

View the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

CDC partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other federal agencies to create the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Federal Action Plan. This strategy provides a roadmap for tackling the ongoing public health crisis of suicide.

Resources

Suicide Prevention Resource for Action

Suicide Prevention Resource for Action Report Cover
Suicide Prevention Resource for Action Report Cover

Strategies based on the best available evidence to help communities and states prevent suicide: Suicide Prevention Resource for Action

Guidelines for reporting on suicide

Image of a woman typing on a computer
Media and online coverage of suicide should follow best practices.

The way media cover suicide can influence behavior positively by encouraging help-seeking or negatively by contributing to contagion.

Safe reporting guidelines for media

Support pages

Success stories

Find more suicide prevention resources on our Suicide Prevention Resources page.

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Content Source:
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control