Suicide Facts
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide fact sheets and other information about suicide. Click on the links below to view these resources.
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Suicide Fact Sheet 2020
This fact sheet published by the CDC in 2020 shares facts and statistics for 2018.
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Understanding Suicide Fact Sheet - 2020
This fact sheet provides information on understanding youth who struggle with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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Suicide Trends in the United States
This fact sheet shows trends among high school aged youth between the years of 1991-2019.
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10 Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, United States
This fact sheet shows the 10 leading causes of death by age group in the United States using 2018 data, which is the most current data published by the CDC in 2020.
Warning Signs
- Suicidal threats in the form of indirect (e.g. "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up again") and direct statements (e.g. "I am going to kill myself")
- Suicide notes and plans (including online postings)
- Preoccupation with death
- Making final arrangements (e.g. giving away prized possessions)
- Changes in appearance, behavior, thoughts, and/or feelings
- Drop in grades
- Loss of interest
- Reckless behavior
- Substance abuse
Risk Factors
- Previous suicide attempts
- Withdrawal (isolation)
- Non-suicidal self-injury (e.g. cutting)
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Mental illness including depression, conduct disorders and substance abuse
- Family distress/dysfunction or violence
- Family history of suicide
- Environmental risks, including the presence of a firearm in the home
- Suicide of a peer
- Bullying and harassment
- Situational crises (e.g. breakup of a relationship/friendship, family violence, physical or sexual abuse, serious disciplinary action)