FACT
Suicide occurs across all age and demographic groups and is the 2nd leading cause of death for college students. Some populations are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts than others, such as:
- American Indians and Alaska Natives
- People bereaved by suicide
- People in justice and child welfare settings
- People who intentionally hurt themselves (non-suicidal self-injury)
- People who have previously attempted suicide
- People with medical conditions
- People with mental and/or substance use disorders
- People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
- Members of the military and veterans
- Men in midlife and older men
(SAMHSA, 2017)
Though some populations have higher risk, anyone is capable of having suicidal thoughts – no matter how popular, successful, or healthy, and even if they do not seem to have any “problems.”