Violence Prevention

Suicide

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).

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 ten middle and high school students in Rhode Island had serious thoughts about suicide. Completed suicides are more 4 times likely among males, who tend to use more lethal means, such as guns. data The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has also recognized the following populations as demonstrating a higher risk of suicide than the general population:

American Indians and Alaska Natives
People bereaved by suicide
People in justice and child welfare settings
People who intentionally hurt themselves (non-suicidal self-injury)
People who have previously attempted suicide
People with medical conditions
People with mental and/or substance use disorders
People who identify as LGBTQ+
Members of the military, veterans and their dependents
Men in midlife and older men
Youth and young adults age 10 - 24
Loss and disaster survivors

For more information on populations at risk for suicide, visit Who is Most at Risk for Suicide in Rhode Island? on Prevent Suicide Rhode Island.

Ways to Prevent An Attempt

Know suicide risk and preventive factors and local support services; more
Let yourself and others know that professional help to deal with depression can prevent suicide;
Suicide-proof your home; Is Your Home Suicide Proof? (English) (Spanish) (Portuguese)
Keep over the counter medications in a safe place; Over-the-Counter does not mean On-the-Counter (English) (Spanish)
Look for the warning signs of suicide.
Consider enrolling in an evidence-based suicide prevention training that will teach you how to help someone at risk of suicide:
- Question, Persuade, Refer
- Mental Health First Aid MORE

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

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

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.

What we are doing

Maintaining and updating Rhode Island’s comprehensive suicide prevention website, Prevent Suicide Rhode Island.
Maintaining and disseminating suicide prevention resources for Rhode Island educators through the SPIRE (Suicide Prevention Information and Resources for Educators) document.
Working to prevent youth, ages 10-24 suicide, 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 Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital.
Educating parents about simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of suicide in their homes through the Suicide-Proof Initiative - a partnership between the RI 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

911
The Samaritans at
401-272-4044
or 800- 365-4044
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK
800-273-8255