Get Informed.
The only prerequisite for making a difference is having the motivation + willingness to learn. We all have a role to play in stopping suicide. Getting informed is a great place to start.
Suicide Prevention 101
Dive into the essentials of suicide and prevention. Explore the complexities and contributing factors of suicide, learn to identify the warning signs of someone at risk, and debunk common myths for a more informed perspective. These tools will help you stay grounded and ready to support.
Understanding suicide.
Suicide is a public health crisis on a global scale. In the United States suicide rates hit an all-time high in 2022 resulting in 49,449 deaths.
Learning about the incidence of suicide and underlying factors is a crucial step toward addressing this issue and creating suicide prevention and intervention strategies.
Suicide can be prevented.
90% of people who survive a non-fatal suicide attempt DO NOT go on to die by suicide.
Learning the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, increasing protective factors like social support, and reducing access to lethal means can help save lives.
Know what to look for.
The majority of people who attempt suicide do something or say something to let others know before they act.
Learning the warning signs, risk + protective factors for suicide is an important step everyone can take.
Exploring myths + misconceptions
At Samaritans’ we say ‘suicide prevention starts with me’ because so much of this work hinges not just on what we know, but on our willingness to challenge what we think we know.
Getting informed requires us to confront our own biases and misconceptions, as they often contribute to the stigma that surrounds mental health + suicide.
Want to learn more?
Check out Samaritans’ Resource Hub. The Hub is a free to use and online platform offering mental health and suicide prevention information, research and resources.
It includes targeted support + vital information for both professionals + the general public alike.
you can help save lives.
