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.
If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Adults Over the Age of 45
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Video: Suicide LiesSuicide is a liar, turning your own thoughts against you. » Watch the Video |
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.
Find Help in Your Area
Don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or talk to a trusted friend.
More Resources:
- Learn about risk factors, warning signs and action steps you can take.
- Share our Suicide Lies Videos and Audio Spots.
American Indians
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Know that you are not alone. There is help. |
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.
Find Help in Indian Country
If you are feeling alone or in crisis, or know someone who is, find out more about getting help in Indian Country. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or talk to a trusted friend.
More Resources:
- Learn about risk factors, warning signs and action steps you can take.
- Share our “Seven Generations” Video for American Indians
- To Live to See the Great Day That Dawns – Preventing Suicide by American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and Young Adults
- Suicide Prevention and Care, Indian Health Service
- We R Native
Alaskan Natives
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Video: The Heart of the LandYou are the heart of our people and you are needed. |
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.
Find Help in Alaska
If you are feeling alone or in crisis, or know someone who is, don’t suffer in silence. Find out more about getting help in Alaska. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or talk to a trusted friend.
More Resources:
- Learn about risk factors, warning signs and action steps you can take.
- Share our “Heart of the Land” Video for Alaskan Natives
- To Live to See the Great Day That Dawns – Preventing Suicide by American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and Young Adults
- Visit the Careline website—Alaska’s suicide prevention and crisis line.
Other Groups at Greater Risk of Suicide
References and Related Resources
- Suicide Prevention | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health | SAMHSA
- After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Department | SAMHSA
- Suicide Clusters within American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations | SAMHSA (PDF | 779 KB)
- Suicide Safe Mobile App | SAMHSA
- Stories of Hope and Recovery: A Video Guide for Suicide Attempt Survivors | SAMHSA
- Suicide in Rural America | CDC
- Suicide Rising Across America | CDC (PDF | 825 KB)
- Suicide Prevention and Care | Indian Health Service (IHS)
- Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- How Many People Are Exposed to Suicide? Not Six. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior | Military Suicide Resource Consortium, Florida State University
- #BeThe1To
- Suicide Prevention in American Indian/ Alaska Native Communities | Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
- There Is Help and That We Are Not Alone | We R Native
- When Your Friend Is Talking About Suicide | We R Native
- #chatsafe: A Young Person’s Guide for Communicating Safely Online About Suicide (PDF | 6.7 MB)
- Help a Friend in Need: A Facebook and Instagram Guide (PDF | 524 KB)
- Seize the Awkward
- What to Do if You’re Concerned About Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Conversation Guide (PDF | 617 KB)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
