People at Greater Risk of Suicide

Helping Hands

Thoughts of suicide can touch any person anywhere, but there are some groups in the U.S. that are at greater risk for different reasons.

Find Help in Your Area

If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

Learn about risk factors, warning signs and action steps you can take.

  • Adults Over the Age of 45

    Middle-aged people, especially men, have the highest rate of suicide compared to other groups. Eighty percent of all deaths by suicide in the U.S. are among men and women age 45-54. Men ages 85 and older have the highest rate of any group in the country. Many factors contribute to this risk, including isolation, a history of violence, and access to lethal means.

    American Indians

    Young American Indian men—especially in the Northern Plains—are at high risk for suicide compared to other groups. While many of the risk factors are the same as those affecting other groups, young American Indian men face additional challenges such as historical trauma, cultural distress, poverty, geographic isolation, and suicide in the community that can cause increased stress.

  • Alaskan Natives

    Young men living in Alaska are greatly affected by suicide, wrestling with stigma and silence. In 2017, Alaska had the second highest rate of suicide in the nation. But new prevention efforts and knowledge are making headway in counteracting challenges such as mental health and substance abuse problems.

Last Updated: 12/15/2021

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