Suicide is a universally acknowledged global problem, and one that affects people across all age groups, social backgrounds, and economic circumstances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700 thousand people die by suicide each year, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds and, overall, the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
Since 2008, when September was declared Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, organizations such as the International Organization for Suicide Prevention and The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) have devoted efforts and resources to ending the culture of silence, raising awareness around prevention and support, and guiding individuals who are struggling toward effective interventions and treatments, as well as those who are living with the long-term impacts of the suicide of a loved one.
A promising statistic amid persistent concerns
According to research published in The Lancet in 2025, while suicide remains an urgent and serious global health issue, there has been a decline (of 39.5%) in suicides globally since 1990. Despite this decline, suicide persists as “a leading cause of death of young people in many areas of the world.”
Hotlines prove a valuable resource for adolescents and young adults
New research reveals the positive impact of suicide prevention among adolescents and young people since the inception of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline in 2022, with rates dropping “11 percent below projections,” and decreasing most strongly in states with “higher volumes of answered calls,” according to an April 2026 New York Times article.
Small joys and suicide prevention
Research led by Philip Resnik, a computational linguist in the Department of Linguistics and Institute for Advanced Computer Studies at the University of Maryland, was published in July of 2026 and examined over 16,648 self-reports of individuals who had struggled with suicidal thoughts and shared their reasons to live. Research cited several categories as suicide deterrents, including concern for loved ones and pets, appreciation of small pleasures like food, music, and leisure activities, and anticipation of, and awareness of, the possibility of conditions improving in the future.
Effective restrictions to means
A systematic review of suicide means restrictions, including jumping restrictions, restrictions on package sizing of medications, restrictions of access to pesticides and pesticide bans, and the detoxification of fuels, showed promising results.
Small sample sizes limited results on restricting access to firearms. However, research from Weill Cornell Medicine and UC Berkeley School of Public Health that examined data from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island cited positive outcomes of temporary firearms restrictions for individuals at high risk of self-harm.
Promising new predictive research on the horizon
Highly anticipated research, led by suicide-prevention researcher Matthew K. Nock, Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, slated for publication in October of 2026, will introduce a new and highly effective model that accurately predicts both suicidal crises and actual suicide attempts a week in advance.
If you or someone you know is in crisis
It is important to know that you are not alone … and it is important to seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dark thoughts of having to escape or self-harm, there are emergency resources and mental health professionals standing by to help you.
Mental Health & Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
USA
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text: 988. Free, confidential crisis support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741. Free, 24/7 emotional support from a trained crisis counsellor.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 (HELP). Free, confidential, 24/7 information, support, and treatment referrals for mental health and substance-use concerns.
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text: 1-800-985-5990
24/7 crisis counselling for emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
CANADA
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text: 988. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in Canada experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or concern about someone else.
Crisis Text Line Canada
Text HOME to 686868. Free, confidential crisis support by text.
