Suicide
If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help.
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).
If you are a Veteran seeking help with mental health care, benefits eligibility, claims assistance, etc., click here for help.
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
Rhode Island Department of Health