suicide prevention month Photo by Sydney Sang:

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: 6 Important Facts About Suicide

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September) is a critical time to elevate mental health awareness and shine a light on suicide prevention. Suicide remains a significant public health concern in the United States.

Here are six facts you need to know about suicide. 

1. Suicide is a leading cause of death

  • In 2023, approximately 49,316 people died by suicide, with an overall death rate of 14.7 per 100,000 people—making it the 11th leading cause of death nationally.

  • The suicide rate rose from around 13.5 in 2020, following a dip after 2018, back to this elevated level by 2022 and 2023.

2. Some groups have higher suicide rates than others

  • Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals have the highest age-adjusted rate (~28.1 per 100,000), followed by non-Hispanic Whites (~17.4).CDCNational Institute of Mental Health

  • For non-Hispanic AI/AN males aged 15–34, the rate spikes dramatically to 82.1 per 100,000.

  • Among males, suicide rates remain drastically higher than among females: in 2023, men died by suicide nearly FOUR times more often than women.

  • By method, firearms accounted for over 55% of suicide deaths in 2022–2023.

3. Many adults think about and make plans to commit suicide

In 2023, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts, with an average of 135 deaths per day. Fortunately, 90 percent of people who attempt suicide and survive will never die by suicide. But this does not mean they return to everyday, healthy lives. These individuals may have long-lasting impacts from their injuries, as well as lingering depression and mental health concerns. 

4. Youth and specific demographics are especially impacted

  • Youth suicide: It ranks as the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 10–14 and 15–24.

  • LGBTQ+ teens face heightened risk: among them, 41% contemplated suicide, 32% made plans, and 20% attempted suicide—far higher than their heterosexual, cisgender peers. Vox

  • ED visits related to suspected suicide attempts reached 153 per 100,000 visits as of July 2025—an indicator of ongoing distress.

5. It is possible to prevent suicide.

Contrary to popular belief, suicide is preventable. To be effective, suicide prevention must happen on many levels. Here are some examples of what can be done to strengthen our communities, help those in need, and prevent suicide: 

  • Strengthen household financial security 
  • Provide more and better coverage for mental health conditions 
  • Address provider shortages in underserved areas 
  • Reduce access to lethal means for at-risk individuals 
  • Promote connectedness within communities 
  • Identify and support people at risk for suicide 

6. A nationwide mental health crisis line is available. 

In July 2020, the FCC designated 988 as a nationwide 3-digit number for mental health and suicide concerns. The 988 operational hotline routes calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2025, it has become significantly more developed and enhanced.

  • Despite its introduction, awareness remains low—just ~15% of adults know about 988.

  • Notably, services like the “Press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth were eliminated in mid-2025 due to federal budget changes.

This new number is easier to remember and has the funding and resources to connect people to the appropriate support services in their communities. People who call 988 will never be put on hold, and they will be connected to a trained mental health professional. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health problems, contact Awakenings Treatment Center. Our outpatient mental health facilities treat mental health and substance use problems under one roof. Find out which program is right for your needs today.