THE FACTS

WHAT IS SUICIDE?

• Suicide is the deliberate taking or ending of one's own life. It is often associated with a severe crisis that does not go away, that may worsen over time, or that may appear hopeless. Friends or loved ones in crisis may show signs that indicate that they are at risk of attempting or committing suicide.

HOW DOES SUICIDE RANK WITH OTHER CAUSES OF DEATH?

• Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 1% of all deaths. More years of life are lost to suicide than to any other single cause except heart disease and cancer.

HOW MANY DEATHS BY SUICIDE OCCUR IN THE U.S.?

• 30,000 Americans die by suicide each year.
• An additional 500,000 Americans attempt suicide annually