1. STATISTICS

Widely misunderstood, mental health affects more people than we know:

• According to the World Health Organization (2024), over 720,000 individuals die by suicide each year in the world.
• 47,000+ people die by suicide each year in the United States. That breaks down to 1 death every 11 minutes (CDC, 2024).
• Suicide remains a leading cause of death across many age groups in the U.S. It was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, the third for those aged 15-24, and the 11th overall leading cause of death nationwide (CDC, 2022).
• According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the rate of suicide among men is 3.85 times higher than that of women (AFSP, 2024).
• Nine out of 10 individuals who attempt suicide and survive never go on to die by suicide (Owens et al., 2002).

Adolescents (aged 12-17):

• One in five reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year (Mental Health America, 2024).
• Over 3.4 million reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide (Mental Health America, 2024).

Young Adults (aged 18-25):

• One in three experienced mental illness in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).
• One in 10 experienced a serious mental illness in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).
• 4.2 million had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).

Adults:

• 12.8 million had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).
• 3.7 million made a plan for suicide in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).
• 1.5 million attempted suicide in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024).

2. DISPELLING THE STIGMA

As defined by Mayo Clinic (2020), “Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that’s thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype).” The stigma surrounding mental illness is the product of lack of understanding and fear. Mental illness has been stigmatized for decades, creating untrue stereotypes that individuals struggling with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, unpredictable, or have a weak character. These negative beliefs lead to prejudice and discrimination against those with mental illness.

• When talking about suicide, do not use “committed suicide” because that language came from a time period when suicide was a crime, but it’s not a crime anymore. The word “committed” implies criminality and lends a sense of agency, which only adds to the stigma around it. Instead, use language such as: died by suicide or lost to suicide or took their own life.  

Dispelling Mental Health Myths (SAMHSA, 2023):

• The large majority of people with mental illness are no more violent than anyone else. Only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to those with mental illness.
• People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees or students
• Mental health problems have nothing to do with character like being weak or lazy. Different factors that contribute to mental illness are biological factors, life experiences, and family history of mental health problems.  
• Over 50% of people worldwide with mental illness do not receive care, citing stigma as the primary reason (Clement et al., 2015).
• In a study surveying individuals with mental health conditions, 90% agreed stigma and discrimination negatively impact people struggling with mental illness (Thornicroft et al., 2022).

Reduce the Stigma:

• Educate yourself and others
• Talk openly about mental health
• Be conscious of the language you use to talk about mental illness
• Show compassion
• Normalize getting treatment by being honest about your own journey
• Get involved!

3. WARNING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Be on the lookout for these warning signs:

• Verbal suicide threats such as, “You’d be better off without me.”
• Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
• Previous suicide attempts
• Daring or risk-taking behavior
• Increased use of alcohol and/or substances
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Giving away prized possessions
• Changes in school or work performances
• Change of physical appearance
• Change in sleeping pattern – too much or too little sleep
• Lack of interest in future plans

4. CRISIS INTERVENTION

• If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis, please contact:
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or (800) 273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741
• If you believe someone is exhibiting the warning signs of suicide or struggling with mental illness, please reach out to a trusted adult and check out the Resources tab to best support this individual.

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