Suicide

Worldwide, suicide is a far-reaching public health problem. World Health Organization data show rates have increased by 60% over the last 45 years. Annually, approximately one million people die by suicide—one death every 45 seconds. Many more people are treated in emergency rooms for intentional injuries to themselves.

As many as 90% of suicide cases are associated with mental disorders, substance abuse, or both. Social and economic factors can also increase the risk of suicidal behaviors. The consequences of suicides and suicide attempts are devastating. Suicides create a wake of pain and loss for families and friends, the community, as well as society as a whole.

Significant advances have been made in our understanding of suicide as a serious public health problem that is preventable. The 2001 release of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, developed with public and private sector partners and support from the Surgeon General, created a framework with specific goals and objectives that has since guided the development of prevention plans in nearly every state.

HHD has played a leadership role in the U.S. national campaign to prevent suicide, promoting multi-agency, multifaceted approaches implemented at the federal, state, tribal, and community levels. Additionally, we have recently begun to collaborate with other countries as they advance their prevention efforts.