Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide prevention. Suicide data and statistics. March 20, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025.
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Suicide warning signs and how to help
Key takeaways:
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.*
- There are warning signs to be aware of such as changes in behavior, mood and talk of suicide.
- You can support a loved one by listening to them, encouraging them to seek professional help and following up to ensure they have the right treatment and support.
- Important resources include the National Suicide Prevention Line, Crisis Text Line, TheTrevor Project and employee assistance programs that may be available through an employer.
Understanding suicide
Facts about suicide
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023.* That’s one death every 11 minutes.* Suicide was the third leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 29 globally in 2021.*
Suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries. And it has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Understanding the facts can help prevent it. Here are some important points:
- It’s complex: It involves mental health, life events and personal factors.
- Anyone can be at risk: It doesn’t matter what your social or economic status is.
- Warning signs: People often show signs before attempting suicide.
- High risk after an attempt: Prior attempts increase the risk of future attempts.
Signs to look out for
People often show warning signs* before taking their life. There are several signs, and they could include:
- Talk: They may talk about suicide plans, feeling like a burden to others or having no reason to live.
- Behavior: They may withdraw from friends, feel isolated or increase the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Mood: They may be very irritable, angry or have big mood swings.
For more on the signs to watch out for, go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.
ACT to prevent suicide
Research shows that suicide is often preventable. If you or someone you know is at risk, reach out for help. Check in with someone who’s struggling. Here are three ways you can help:
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A: Acknowledge they’re in pain.
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C: Care and show you care.
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T: Take action and help them seek help.
More ways you can help
Be present: Talk to them in private. Many people want to connect and be heard. This gives them a chance to talk. Listen to their story. Once they feel heard, suggest they seek help. Ask if they have a plan.
Listen and show empathy: Understand their feelings. Connect them with resources. Your actions can make a big difference.
Offer support: Guide them toward helpful tools. Encourage them to seek professional treatment or contact their doctor or therapist. Escort them to an ER or mental health services. For Aetna® members, you can find mental health professionals on your member website. Get 24/7 support if you’re an Aetna member who has an employee assistance program (EAP) through the Aetna Resources For Living℠ program. EAP terms.*
Take action: Help them find immediate help if they need it. Hotline numbers can be effective. But alone, they aren’t enough. Help facilitate the next step. Or ask how you can help. You can offer to call a mental health professional. Or drive them to the emergency room if they’re in danger.
Discuss safety: Remove guns, weapons and drugs that pose a risk. Limiting access to these can save lives.
Follow up: Ensure they get ongoing treatment and support. Help them build a support network. Offer connections to social support and treatment.
Learn more about how you can help at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.
Building a support network
- Family and friends: They can give emotional support.
- Mental health professionals: They offer expert care and treatment.
- Community groups: They help give support and a sense of belonging.
- Online resources: Websites and forums can offer helpful information and peer support.
More support resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988.
- Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
- The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
- Aetna Resources For Living: Get 24/7 support and crisis counseling.
Bottom line:
Suicide is a preventable tragedy. Recognizing signs and offering support can make a difference. Use the resources available and start by seeking help. Your actions can help save lives.
For suicide leading cause of death source
For 49,000 died by suicide source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide prevention. Suicide data and statistics. March 20, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025.
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For one death every 11 minutes source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide prevention. Suicide data and statistics. March 20, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025.
If you continue, you’ll leave Aetna®. Other websites may have different terms and privacy practices.
For third leading cause of death globally source
World Health Organization. Suicide. Key Facts. March 25, 2025. Accessed August 21, 2025.
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For warning signs of suicide source
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Warning signs of suicide. November 1, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2025.
If you continue, you’ll leave Aetna®. Other websites may have different terms and privacy practices.
For EAP terms
The EAP is administered by Resources For Living, LLC. All EAP calls are confidential, except as required by law. EAP instructors, educators and participating providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Refer to Aetna.com for more information about Aetna® plans. Information is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a professional. Contact a professional with any questions about specific needs.There may be other explanations for any or all of the above behaviors/characteristics/symptoms. This information is not a complete list of all signs concerning such behaviors/characteristics/symptoms and should not be used as a standalone instrument.
Legal notices
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