Get the Facts
- Someone dies by suicide every 15 minutes.
- In 2007, more than 34,000 Americans took their own lives.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds,
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 25- to 44-year-olds
- Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among 45- to 64-year-olds.
- Death rates are highest for people between the ages of 45 and 54 (about 17 per 100,000).
- Women in the 45 to 54 age group are at greater risk for suicide
- Men over the age of 75 are at greatest risk of suicide.
The number of deaths from suicide reflects only a small portion of the impact of suicidal behavior.
- In 2007, 165,997 people were hospitalized following suicide attempts.
- More than 395,320 were treated in hospital emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries
Suicide Warning Signs
The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibit any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline.


More information is available at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline