Suicide Prevention

• Per the CDC, suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone intentionally tries to end their life by inflicting self-harm but do not die as a result.

• Suicidal thoughts, or thinking about or planning suicide.
• Thoughts can include a specific detailed plan or briefly contemplating suicide.  Suicidal thoughts are common and may be influenced by situations or circumstances.  Often, these thoughts are not permanent but can be more pervasive with someone who is struggling with mental illness or has a history of abuse or neglect.  Anyone who has suicidal thoughts should ask for help.

• Defined as experiencing suicidal ideations with a well-thought-out plan, access to the act of suicide, and possibly a specific time and place.

• There are differences between self-harm and suicide.  Self-harm, while serious and a cause for immediate intervention, does not necessarily indicate a suicide attempt.

Click Suicide Prevention for warning signs of one who may be considering suicide as well as additional risk factors.
Click Talking with your child about suicide for information regarding talking to your child about suicide.