If you are currently in crisis or know someone in crisis, please contact call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is a public health crisis. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates are rising across the US.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we lose someone to suicide every 12 hours. We lose nearly 2 youth to suicide each week. In a recent five year period, suicide was the number 1 cause of death for youth aged 10 to 14. Suicidality can affect anyone and it is a public health concern that needs to be addressed.
Join MAMH in supporting the International Declaration for Zero Suicide Healthcare.
MAMH Perspective
We believe that one life lost to suicide is one too many. Suicidality is one of the most critical mental health issues to address, particularly in teenagers and young adults. As rates of anxiety and depression are rising in young people, so too are the rates of suicidality in young people, thus it is vital that we develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the suicide epidemic. That strategy involves using evidence based practices of screening, education, and treatment. See below to read more about MAMH’s efforts on preventing suicide.
There is a lot of information available about suicide on the internet. Below are some resources that may be helpful:
Signs of Suicide Prevention Program
Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Program
Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Suicide
NIMH: Suicide - How You Can Make a Difference
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Suicide Statistics
Samaritans: Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Mental Health America: General Suicide Information
SAMHSA: Suicide Prevention Toolkit for High Schools