Suicide Facts
Treatment of Depression
Depression and other mental health conditions that often lead to suicide can be treated. Suicide is preventable if people who are struggling with mental health conditions are able to access treatment and find the right kind of treatment for their concerns. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, increasing social support, and many other options. People struggling with depression and other mental health conditions should talk to a mental health provider to discuss their concerns and explore treatment options.
US National Data
Data from a 2015 national study (NIMH) showed that 4% of adults age 18 and older in the United States had thought about suicide, 1.1% percent of adults had made plans for suicide, and 0.6% of adults had attempted suicide.
Cal Poly Data
Data from Cal Poly’s 2016 participation in the Healthy Minds Study found that 11% of Cal Poly students who responded to a campus-wide survey reported having seriously thought about attempting suicide in the past year; 3% made a plan for attempting suicide; and less than half of 1% attempted suicide in the past year.
Risk Factors for Suicide
- A recent, painful event, loss or change
- Depression, a substance use disorder, or other mental health condition
- Prior suicide attempt
- Family history of mental health or substance use disorders
- Loss of a loved one to suicide
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Possession of firearm (as firearms are involved in half of suicides)
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures
- Sense of isolation
- Lack of close personal relationships
- Poor coping skills
- Impulsiveness
*There is no single cause for suicide. Please take all signs seriously.
For more information on suicide risk factors and warning signs, please visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.