What is suicide?

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. It is a major public health issue, with over 700,000 people dying from suicide each year worldwide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15-29 years old.

There are many risk factors for suicide, including mental illness (especially depression), substance use, chronic pain, and previous suicide attempts. Certain life stressors, such as financial problems, relationship problems, or bullying, can also increase the risk of suicide.

Suicide is often a preventable death. There are many things that can be done to help prevent suicide, including talking to someone who is thinking about suicide, connecting them to mental health care, and reducing access to lethal means of suicide.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. There are many people who care about you and want to help you. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit their website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.