Suicide: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Crisis Resources

Global Burden

• ~703,000 deaths/year (WHO 2019).
• Age-standardized rate: 9.0/100,000.
• 2nd leading cause of death ages 15–29.
• Male:female ratio ~1.8:1 (higher lethality methods).

Major Risk Factors

• Psychiatric: Depression (MDD, bipolar), schizophrenia, substance use, PTSD, BPD, anxiety.
• History: Prior attempt (strongest predictor), self-harm, family suicide.
• Medical: Chronic pain, cancer, neurological disease, HIV.
• Psychosocial: Relationship loss, unemployment, legal trouble, bullying, isolation.
• Access to lethal means: Firearms (US), pesticides (rural Asia), charcoal (East Asia).

Warning Signs (IS PATH WARM)

• Ideation, Substance use, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood changes.

Evidence-Based Prevention

• Means restriction: Safe firearm storage, pesticide regulation, bridge barriers, blister packs.
• Screening & treatment: PHQ-9 in primary care; antidepressants, CBT, DBT, lithium (bipolar).
• Crisis lines: 988 (US), 116 123 (UK), 1-833-456-4566 (Canada), findahelpline.com (global).
• Follow-up after attempt: Caring contacts, safety planning, means counseling.
• Gatekeeper training: Teachers, clergy, coworkers.

If You're Struggling

You matter. Help is available 24/7.

• Call or text 988 (US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
• Veterans: 988 then press 1.
• International: IASP / Befrienders.

Reach out. Stay. Tomorrow needs you.