Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. Many different factors contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. But people most at risk tend to share specific characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
• Certain medical conditions
• Chronic pain
• A prior suicide attempt
• Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Having recently been released from prison or jail
• Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored. View additional information on suicide prevention.

• Click here to view data collected by the Prevention Research Center at Case Western Reserve University as part of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
• According to the CDC Leading Causes of Death Report, in 2023, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 49,300 people. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54. There were over two times as many suicides (49,316) as there were homicides (22,830)
• The American Association of Suicidology states that nationally, one person dies by suicide every 10.9 minutes.
• Tragically, Cuyahoga County had 203 deaths by suicide in 2023, which was an increase of nearly 15%.

How we report on suicide matters. Please read these ten tips on how you can more safely report on suicide. Here are some additional recommendations for reporting.

Protective factors are characteristics that help to adapt to different levels of hardship. Studies show protective factors act as a buffer against suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Here are some examples of protective factors:

• Strong family support and relationships
• Community and social support
• Religious and spiritual engagement
• Personal factors like positive self-esteem and emotional wellbeing
• Factors like stable housing, income and employment

The Cuyahoga County Suicide Prevention Coalition created this video highlighting the importance of community protective factors.

• Free, confidential online screenings on our website here
• American Association of Suicidology
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• American Suicide Prevention Foundation
• Cornerstone of Hope: A Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults
• Cuyahoga County Suicide Postvention Response Team
• Depression and Bipolar Wellness Alliance
• FrontLine Service
• LifeAct
• Mental Health America
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Glossary
• NAMI Greater Cleveland
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Ohio Department Behavioral Health (DBH)
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
• The Trevor Project
• Resources for Veterans
  • Veterans Crisis Line
  • VA Community Provider Toolkit
  • VA Coaching into Care