Suicide

If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Call 988 if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK: (800) 273-8255
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

  • Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with the intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions. (CDC, 2021).

    Ways to Prevent An Attempt

  • Learn about suicide risk, preventive factors, and local support services; MORE
  • Raise awareness that professional help to deal with depression can prevent suicide;
  • Parents and loved ones of youth
  • Families and loved ones of Veterans
    • Suicide-proof your home; Is Your Home Suicide Proof? (English)
  • Keep over-the-counter (OTC) medications in a safe place:
    • Over-the-Counter does not mean On-the-Counter campaign (English) (Spanish)
  • Look for the warning signs of suicide:
    • Talking about wanting to die or kill yourself;
    • Looking for a way to kill yourself;
    • Talking about being a burden to others;
    • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;
    • Acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly;
    • Sleeping too much or too little;
    • Withdrawing or feeling isolated;
    • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
    • Displaying extreme mood swings.
  • Consider enrolling in an evidence-based suicide prevention training that will teach you how to help someone at risk of suicide:

  • For more information on suicide prevention, visit Facts About Suicide Prevention on Prevent Suicide Rhode Island.

    At-Risk Populations

    Suicide attempts are three times more likely among females, who are twice as likely to experience depression as males. Suicide ideation is common among Rhode Island youth. In 2017, one out of 10 middle and high school students in Rhode Island had serious thoughts about suicide. Completed suicides are four times more likely among males, who tend to use more lethal means, such as guns. Some groups of people are more likely to attempt suicide. In Rhode Island, the following groups are most at risk for suicide:

  • American Indians and Alaska Natives;
  • Suicide loss survivors;
  • Suicide attempt survivors;
  • People with mental and/or substance use disorders;
  • People who identify as LGBTQ+;
  • Service members and veterans;
  • Men age 35-64;
  • Domestic violence survivors;
  • Workers in high-risk professions;
  • People of Color (POC); and
  • Youth and young adults, age 18-25.

  • What we are doing

  • Maintaining Rhode Island’s suicide prevention website, Prevent Suicide Rhode Island.
  • Promoting suicide prevention resources for Rhode Island educators through the Suicide Prevention Information and Resources for Educators (SPIRE) document.
  • Working to prevent suicide in youth, age 10-24, through the Rhode Island Youth Suicide Prevention Project.
  • Identifying, helping, and referring youth who may have symptoms of depression or suicidality to proper mental health professionals through a partnership with Rhode Island Student Assistance Services and Bradley Hospital.
  • Educating parents about simple steps that can take to reduce the risk of suicide in their homes through the Suicide-Proof Initiative - a partnership between the Rhode Island Youth Suicide Prevention Program and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
  • Creating messaging that combats the stigmatization of mental illness and seeking treatment in partnership with the Campaign to Change Direction.
  • Engaging with Rhode Island colleges on the topic of suicide through the Rhode Island Higher Education Suicide Prevention Advisory Group.
  • Developing and implementing the Rhode Island Suicide Prevention State Plan 2019-2023.

Emergency Help