Get the Facts
- Suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2021.
- Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021.
- In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64.
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34.
- Suicide is responsible for about one death every 11 minutes.
- Additional factors that can increase suicide risk include relationship problems or feeling a lack of connectedness to others, easy access to lethal means among people at risk, experiences of violence such as child abuse and neglect, adverse childhood experiences, bullying, and serious health conditions.
Circumstances that increase suicide risk
Individual Risk Factors
These personal factors contribute to risk:
- Previous suicide attempt
- History of depression and other mental illnesses
- Serious illness such as chronic pain
- Criminal/legal problems
- Job/financial problems or loss
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Substance use
- Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences
- Sense of hopelessness
- Violence victimization and/or perpetration
Relationship Risk Factors
These harmful or hurtful experiences within relationships contribute to risk:
- Bullying
- Family/loved one’s history of suicide
- Loss of relationships
- High conflict or violent relationships
- Social isolation
Community Risk Factors
These challenging issues within a person’s community contribute to risk:
- Lack of access to healthcare
- Suicide cluster in the community
- Stress of acculturation
- Community violence
- Historical trauma
- Discrimination
Societal Risk Factors
These cultural and environmental factors within the larger society contribute to risk:
- Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness
- Easy access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk
- Unsafe media portrayals of suicide
More information is available at
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.