Suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation, much like mental illness, can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, background, or identity. While these thoughts may be more common than people realize, they should never be dismissed or considered normal. Suicidal ideation is a sign of deeper distress, and early intervention can save lives.
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, offer support, and center conversations around this significant public health issue. Together, we can reduce stigma, shift public perception, and share life-saving resources. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, families, and communities know how to recognize the signs of crisis and where they can turn to for help.
Key Facts Everyone Should Know
Suicide remains a serious public health concern that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities.
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. In 2023, suicide claimed 49,316 lives in the U.S. — that’s about one death every 11 minutes.
- Suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000 and 2022.
- For every suicide death, there were approximately:
- 10 emergency department visits for self-harm
- 48 self-reported suicide attempts
- 325 people who seriously considered suicide
- In 2022:
- 12.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide
- 3.7 million made a plan
- 1.5 million attempted suicide
Data from CDC
Who Is Most Affected?
Suicide can impact anyone — but some groups face higher risk:
- In 2023, suicide was among the top 8 leading causes of death for people ages 10–64, and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–34.
- Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people have the highest suicide rates, followed by non-Hispanic White people.
- Other groups at higher risk include:
- Veterans
- People living in rural areas
- Workers in high-risk industries like construction and mining
- LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, who report significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior compared to heterosexual peers
Data from CDC
Data from LGBTQ+ Youth
According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey:
- 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth
- 12% attempted suicide in the past year — 14% among transgender and nonbinary participants
- 50% who wanted mental health care were unable to access it
- 54% of transgender and nonbinary youth found their school to be gender-affirming — and those youth reported lower suicide attempt rates
The Ripple Effect
Suicide doesn’t only impact individuals — it deeply affects families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities.
Survivors of suicide loss often experience prolonged grief, trauma, and heightened risk of depression or suicidal thoughts.
The economic burden is also significant. In 2020 alone, suicide and nonfatal self-harm cost the U.S. over $500 billion in medical expenses, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life.
The Power of Connection and Conversation
Suicide prevention starts with awareness, but it doesn’t end there. We all have a role to play — by checking in, speaking up, and making it safe to talk about mental health, we can begin to address this urgent public health issue.
Studies show that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts can provide relief and reduce risk. Open, compassionate conversations help break down stigma and remind people they’re not alone.
This Suicide Prevention Month, we invite you to join us in creating spaces where people can be seen, heard, and supported.
Advocate for Change
While awareness is essential, advocacy moves the needle. Join NAMI California in pushing for better access to mental health care and a more compassionate, responsive crisis system.
Take action locally: Sign up for advocacy alerts
Take action nationally: Sign up for NAMI’s Federal Advocacy Alerts
Recognize #988Day on September 8 by helping raise awareness of this vital resource
We’re in This Together
While suicide prevention must be addressed year-round, this month offers a moment of collective action. One conversation. One resource. One person showing they care — that can make all the difference.
Let’s come together this September to spread hope, support healing, and save lives.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, immediate support is available:
Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org to speak with a trained crisis counselor, 24/7.
Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
Read our guide, “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”
What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide