Talk About It

Worried that someone you know or love might be having suicidal thoughts? Ask them—with empathy and compassion. Avoid just hinting around—this could be a matter of life or death. Create a safe place to ask, “Are you thinking about taking your own life?” And be prepared to follow up if the response is “yes,” “no” or unclear.

» Start A Convversation—Ask The Question

See The Signs

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. On average, there are more than 3,700 suicide attempts per day across America. How can you tell if someone you care about might be among the millions seriously contemplating suicide? Look at how they are behaving. Listen to what they are saying.

» Look At The Behavior—Listen To What Is Being Said

Too Many Are Letting Go

Every 11 minutes. That's how often someone in the United States dies by suicide, which is the leading cause of death among teenagers. And Krisit Miller, program director for ReDiscover's Show-Me Zero Suicide program, says many deaths reported as accidents may have actually been suicides: "I really worry the suicide rate among kids is much, much higher than we think."

» Second Leading Cause Of Death Among Teenagers

Older Adults At Risk

We are, of course, aghast that suicide is the second leading cause of death among America’s adolescents and young adults. Too many lives are being cut short. But deaths by suicide also rose an alarming 40.8% during the last decade among those whose adolescence was long ago. Ageism is having an especially devastating impact on an aging America.

» Suicide Deaths On The Rise Among Older Adults

Another Form Of Toxic Discrimination
Growing old gracefully—and happily—isn’t easy in a society that often mocks getting old. Ageism against older people has such detrimental health impacts that the American Psychological Association has joined other professional medical organizations in urging that it be addressed with the same urgency as racism and sexism. The Yale School of Public Health has concluded ageism can even shorten life expectancy.

» Ageism's Devastating Impact

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