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 ages 10 - 24
- Loss and disaster survivors
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:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help
What we are doing
Rhode Island Department of Health