National Suicide Prevention Month: Rula Care Kit

Suicide prevention begins with awareness and support.

The new Rula Care Kit offers tools to recognize risks, identify warning signs, reduce stigma, and connect people with help.

Know the signs

Knowledge is a powerful tool for suicide prevention.

Learn to recognize signs of crisis and identify when someone may be at risk

How to recognize

What might someone say that indicates they could be at risk for suicide?

What behaviors or actions could signal suicide risk?

What moods or mental health conditions occur frequently in people who are considering suicide?

Specific groups at risk

People in vulnerable populations or experiencing challenging life circumstances can have more risk factors for suicide. Keep an eye out for suicide warning signs for people in the following groups:

Teens: Academic changes, social withdrawal, risky behaviors →

Veterans: Service-related trauma indicators, isolation →

Postpartum parents: Understanding risk and strengthening support during pregnancy and postpartum →

Older adults: Health decline, loss-related depression, social isolation →

LGBTQ+: Identity-related stressors, discrimination impacts, family rejection signs →

Recognizing risk factors

These factors can increase someone’s risk for suicide. If you’re concerned someone you know might be suicidal, consider which of these factors could put them at risk:

Prior suicide attempts.

Someone who has previously attempted suicide has a greater risk of attempting in the future.

Chronic pain or illness

People living with chronic pain are at least twice as likely to report suicidal behaviors.

Substance abuse

Suicide is a leading cause of death among people who misuse drugs and alcohol.

Family history of suicide

People who have experienced the loss of a family member to suicide may face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Trauma or traumatic loss

People who have undergone traumatic experiences like abuse, neglect, or the loss of a job or close relationship are more likely to consider suicide.

Social isolation

Loneliness, social isolation, and lack of community support systems can increase vulnerability to suicide.

Certain mental health conditions

Depression, anxiety, and other medical conditions can put people at greater risk for suicide.

Access to lethal means

Easy access to firearms, medications, or other potential lethal means significantly increases the risk of suicide.

Debunking some common myths  about suicide

While social stigma about suicide means that open conversations about the topic are rare, the reality is that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, over 49,000 people died by suicide. That amounts to about one death every 11 minutes.

These statistics paint a heartbreakingly clear picture — suicide is a common occurrence in the United States.

But despite its prevalence, it can still be difficult to talk about. So in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, we’re debunking some common myths related to suicide. Learning the facts about suicide can help you spot the warning signs, challenge stigma, and potentially save a life.

Coping after suicide loss

Common questions after suicide loss

What makes suicide loss different?

What can help?
How can you honor the person you have lost?

Learn more →

Supporting someone
in crisis

Be there when someone needs you with the

following crisis support resources.

Information on how to help

What resources should I use for someone who’s actively in crisis?

How to talk with someone who might be considering suicide

Support groups

How to find a therapist

Critical resources

Explore our Rula Care Kit on Suicide Awareness to understand suicide risk, recognize warning signs, support someone in crisis, and more.

Need immediate support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis, don't wait – contact these 24/7 crisis resources for help.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Includes support for Spanish speakers, deaf , and hard of hearing individuals.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 (or chat at veteranscrisisline.net, text 838255)

The Trevor Project: 24/7 support for LGBTQ youth (chat/text 1-866-488-7386)

Local emergency services: If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911

Many communities offer mobile crisis teams or psychiatric urgent care. These services dispatch professionals to evaluate and stabilize people in immediate danger. You can request these services when you call 911, or call the dedicated line in your area.