Suicide is one of the most serious public health challenges in the United States. According to the CDC, in 2019, more than 12 million American adults seriously considered suicide, 3.5 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide. The American Psychiatric Association reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 34.
In 2020, despite the social isolation caused by the pandemic, around 46,000 Americans still died by suicide, according to CDC and NPR reporting. Even one life lost is too many. Suicide affects families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities across the country.
Understanding the warning signs and knowing how to help can save lives.
Before identifying behaviors, it’s important to understand three key terms used by mental health professionals.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and the American Psychiatric Association:
Risk Factors are characteristics that increase the likelihood someone may consider or attempt suicide.
Warning Signs indicate immediate danger and the need for action.
Protective Factors reduce the likelihood of suicidal behavior and strengthen emotional resilience.
Recognizing these early gives people a better chance at recovery and support.
Some individuals are more vulnerable due to life circumstances, mental health history, or access to harmful means.
Major suicide risk factors include:
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder
Access to lethal means (such as firearms)
Relationship loss, divorce, grief, academic failure, or financial stress
Trauma, neglect, or abuse
Chronic illness or long-term pain
Exposure to suicide behavior in others
Having risk factors doesn’t mean someone will attempt suicide, but it signals the need for support and monitoring.
Warning signs suggest a person may be in crisis right now.
Look out for:
Talking or writing about death or suicide
Statements like “I’m a burden” or “It would be better if I wasn’t here”
Feeling hopeless, trapped, or worthless
Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Reckless or impulsive behavior
Major mood swings
Giving away belongings or saying goodbye
If you notice these behaviors, it’s important to act quickly and compassionately.
Protective factors help individuals stay emotionally grounded and supported.
These include:
Access to quality mental health care
Strong relationships with family and friends
Follow-up care from providers
Healthy coping and problem-solving skills
Community involvement and social connection
Feeling valued and understood
Building these supports lowers the chances of crisis and encourages long-term stability.
Many people worry about saying the wrong thing. But asking directly does not increase risk. It often brings relief.
Mental health organizations recommend these steps:
Ask calmly and directly if they are thinking about suicide.
If danger is immediate, remove access to harmful items and stay with them.
Listen without judgment. Avoid minimizing their feelings.
Encourage professional support from counselors, crisis lines, or doctors.
Follow up regularly. Ongoing connection saves lives.
You don’t need to fix everything, you just need to care and guide them toward help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Available 24/7, free, and confidential
If danger is immediate, call 911.
Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a trusted mental health counseling practice in Creve Coeur, St. Louis, MO. The team provides supportive, evidence-based counseling for:
Children & teens
Adults
Couples & families
They specialize in:
Stress management
You don’t have to face emotional pain alone. Professional support makes healing possible.
Talking about death, hopelessness, isolation, mood swings, substance misuse, and giving away belongings are common red flags.
No. Asking openly often helps people feel heard and supported.
People experiencing depression, trauma, addiction, relationship loss, financial stress, or chronic illness face higher risk.
Stay with them, remove access to dangerous items, and contact 988 or emergency services immediately.
Yes. Counseling improves emotional regulation, coping skills, and connection, which significantly lowers suicide risk.
