Suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, including mental illness, exposure to violence, painful losses, social isolation, and substance abuse.
Suicidal thoughts are also a significant concern. Having serious thoughts of suicide increases the risk of a person making an actual suicide attempt. Among high schoolers, more than 17% (approximately 2.5 million ninth through twelfth graders) have seriously considered suicide, more than 13% have made a suicide plan, and more than 8% have attempted suicide. Additionally, rates of suicide attempts are highest among people aged 18 to 25. Although prior suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide, the vast majority of people who attempt suicide (9 in 10) do not ultimately die by suicide.
Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. SAMHSA has developed strategies that schools, school districts, and partners can use to prevent suicide and promote mental/behavioral health among students.
- Suicide Safe: The Suicide Prevention App for Health Care Providers
SAMHSA
http://store.samhsa.gov/apps/suicidesafe/index.html
Shares information about SAMHSA's "Suicide Safe" free app that helps healthcare providers, in particular primary care providers, integrate suicide prevention strategies into their practice and address suicide risk among their patients.
- Racial and Gender Disparities in Suicide Among Young Adults Aged 18–24: United States, 2009–2013
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/suicide/racial_and_gender_2009_2013.htm?_sm_au_=iVVjkwMvDQZW0dFv
Presents a NCHS Health E-Stat study which examines suicide rates and methods among young adults aged 18–24, by sex and race and Hispanic origin, using recent mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS).
- Bullying Prevention and Suicide Prevention for Schools: A Digital Approach from SAMHSA
SAMHSA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAn5kxvGzfk
Provides an overview of the risk and impact of bullying and suicide in school-aged children, highlights the connection between these public health issues and the “whole child” concept, and discusses how SAMHSA’s mobile apps and other key resources can help school staff promote bullying prevention and suicide prevention in schools.
- CDC-Injury and Prevention Control/Suicide and Additional Resources (CDC and Federal)
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/resources.html
Houses resources on suicide prevention, disaster, mental health, trauma, as well as a myriad of other federal and non-federal resources.