Suicide Awareness and Prevention: What Everyone Should Know

Suicide is one of the hardest topics to face, but it is also one of the most important to talk about. Our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues may have pain that isn’t visible. When we talk about suicide with honesty and compassion, we take a step toward breaking the silence that keeps many people isolated.

The Reality of Suicide

Worldwide, suicide claims nearly 800,000 lives each year. In the United States, it is one of the leading causes of death, affecting all age groups. (source)

• Young people: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10–24. Bullying, school pressures, and struggling to belong can weigh heavily on kids. (source)
  
  
• Adults: Middle-aged adults face rising rates of suicide. Financial stress, relationship struggles, or burnout contribute.
  
  
• Older adults: For seniors, isolation, chronic illness, and grief can become overwhelming.
  
  

Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Even those who appear successful or happy can be suffering. The death of actor and comedian Robin Williams in 2014 stunned us all. It reminded us that mental illness does not always “look” a certain way. People who make us laugh may be battling pain.

Most of us know someone who has died by suicide, struggled with thoughts of ending their life, or dealt with the grief of losing a loved one to suicide. It may be a family member, a neighbor, a colleague, or a childhood friend.

Suicide leaves behind what survivors call “a wake of silence.” Families and friends are left with unanswered questions, guilt, and grief that can last a lifetime. Talking about suicide openly (without shame or stigma) can help end the silence and make healing possible.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Recognizing the signs can save a life. Some may be subtle, others more alarming:

In adults:

• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
  
  
• Withdrawing from loved ones
  
  
• Sudden mood swings or changes in behavior
  
  
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
  
  

In children and teens:

• Loss of interest in favorite activities
  
  
• Dramatic changes in sleep or appetite
  
  
• Declining performance in school
  
  
• Talking or joking about death or self-harm
  
  

When we notice these signs, it’s important not to ignore them. Listening without judgment can open the door to a solution.

What You Can Do

If you suspect someone is struggling, you don’t have to have all the answers. What matters most is being there.

• Ask directly: “Are you thinking about harming yourself?” It’s a myth that asking will “put the idea” in someone’s head.
  
  
• Listen: Let them speak. Avoid rushing to fix everything.
  
  
• Encourage help: Suggest reaching out to a doctor, counselor, or crisis line. Offer to be with them or make the call together.
  
  
• Stay: Your presence can be a lifeline.
  
  

If you are the one struggling, please know you are not alone. Pain may feel unbearable, but it does not last forever. Reach out to someone you trust or contact one of the crisis lines below.

One of the simplest things we can do is check in on the people in our life. Is there a friend you haven’t heard from in a while, a neighbor who’s been quiet, a colleague who seems withdrawn? Reach out. Send a text, make a call, or knock on their door.

It doesn’t have to be a heavy conversation. Just telling them, “I’ve been thinking about you—how are you doing?” can encourage them to open up. Your small act of kindness could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.

Crisis Resources

• United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
  
  
• United Kingdom & Ireland: Call Samaritans at 116 123
  
  
• Canada: Call or text 988
  
  
• Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14
  
  
• International: Visit findahelpline.com to locate support lines worldwide
  
  

In Psalm 34:18, we are reminded: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Even in the darkest times, you are seen. You are loved. You are not beyond hope.

Suicide prevention is not only about saving lives. It’s about hope. By watching out for one another, talking about it, and being supportive, we can help people who feel that they’re carrying their pain alone.