Step 2: Understand the suicide prevention landscape

Highlights

It is time to get a more in-depth understanding of what is happening in the community or group you're interested in and why. At the end of this section is a list of data resources to help you. The "5 Whys" approach can help you get as close as possible to the root cause of identified trends.

Man and woman sitting across from each other talking in a therapy office

The 5 Whys

Exercise 2 in the Brainstorm Book has some sample questions to get you started. Answer each question and then ask, "Why might that be?" You can ask it again up to five times to dig deeper and challenge assumptions you might be holding. You may also want to consult with a local or state epidemiologist to better understand available data and current research.

  1. What are the current trends related to suicide either within our geographic area or populations that we work with?
  2. What group is most impacted by suicide in our community? Are there any sub-groups within the broader group?
  3. What might be influencing the disproportionate impact of suicide on this population?
  4. What is the most common means of suicide/suicide attempt within the population(s) we work with?
  5. Are there any differences in means of suicide based on demographics or other sub-groups?

Experts, challenge your assumptions:

Norms, trends, and the broad context around suicide are changing all the time. It's important to challenge your assumptions and identify biases about suicide to create a campaign that is authentic and impactful.

Government data sources

This is not an exhaustive list of available data. There may be state or local data sources that are more helpful to you. Your state or local health department may be able to provide more granular data.

  • Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) –WISQARS is an interactive online data system that provides access to fatal, nonfatal, and cost of injury data.
  • National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) –NVDRS is a state-based surveillance system that collects information about deaths including homicides, suicides, deaths of undetermined intent that may be due to violence, legal intervention deaths, and unintentional firearm deaths. It includes all settings for all age groups.
  • Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) –YRBSS monitors health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems, including suicide attempts and related behaviors, among 9th through 12th grade students.
  • National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) – NSDUH provides data on suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It also includes data on mental health and drug use. The data comes from the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population ages 12 years and older.

Other non-government data sources

This is not an exhaustive live and inclusion of these sources does not constitute endorsement.

  • Pew Research Center – A nonpartisan think tank that informs the public about issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world. They conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis, and other data-driven social science research. Pew may help you find high-level demographic and trending data on a variety of topics.
  • Urban Institute – A nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity.
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Content Source:
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control