Honoring National Suicide Prevention Month: Latest data, developments

With more than 13 million U.S. adults having seriously considered suicide last year, the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention plan released in April uses a comprehensive approach to prevent suicide, according to an HHS statement.

Additional data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show that approximately 4 million adults planned a suicide attempt last year and nearly 2 million attempted suicide. This September, National Suicide Prevention Month serves as a reminder that this crisis is ongoing and impacts people of all ages.

To address this nationwide problem, the Biden-Harris administration implemented the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and accompanying Federal Action Plan. The National Strategy recommends strategies to address care gaps in at-risk populations, who are typically disproportionately affected by suicide, and includes a strategic direction that prioritizes equity. The first-ever Federal Action Plan involves interagency coordination to complete over 200 discrete actions in the next 3 years, according to HHS.

Further, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested nearly $1.5 billion in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which has managed more than 10 million calls, texts and chat messages in its first 2 years, according to HHS. Specific help options are available for non-English speakers, veterans and LGBTQ+ youth.

“During National Suicide Prevention Month, we continue to look at ways to save lives and help people thrive,” Xavier Becerra, HHS secretary, said in the statement. “The fight against suicide is one we can wage together. It requires the dedication and cooperation of every sector of society.”

In observance of this month, Healio has compiled our coverage of the most important updates, recommendations and research related to suicide from the past year.

‘If you seek help, you risk your career’: Physician suicide needs solutions, not silence

High rates of physician suicide are a devastating reality that require multiple solutions, according to experts. Read more.

Stigma is ‘common thread’ among clinician suicides

Health care professionals are more likely to experience mental health issues than other workers in the United States, but the stigma they face often deters them from seeking treatment, leading to tragic outcomes, a speaker said at the Ending Clinician Burnout Global Summit. Read more.

Suicide now second leading cause of death among NCAA athletes

Suicide is now the second most common cause of death among college athletes in the United States, surpassed only by accidents, according to findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Read more.

CDC releases first update for investigating, addressing suicide clusters since 1988

In a three-part supplement series published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC released updated and expanded guidance for community assessment and response to suicide clusters for the first time since 1988. Read more.

Female physicians still at a greater risk for suicide

Female physicians face an increased risk for suicide despite suicide rates among physicians decreasing over time, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ showed. Read more.

Health care workers face higher suicide risk, study shows

Health care workers overall face a higher risk for suicide, especially registered nurses, health care support workers and health technicians, according to the results of research published in JAMA. Read more.

Suicide rates rise among preteens, with highest increases seen among Hispanic youth, girls

Suicide rates among U.S. preteens increased significantly from 2008 to 2022, with the greatest increases being among Hispanic preteens and girls, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

‘You will not find what you are not looking for’: How PCPs can fight record suicide levels

In the wake of record suicide numbers, primary care physicians are in a unique position to offer front-line mental health care, according to experts. Read more.

Study: Adolescent suicides increased by all methods since 1999

Adolescent suicides increased by all methods — including firearms — from 1999 to 2020, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

‘Reassuring’ findings suggest GLP-1 receptor agonists do not increase suicide risk

Results from two studies found no association between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased risk for suicide, suicidal thoughts or depression, findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed. Read more.