Suicide Awareness

Are there factors that can increase or decrease the risk of suicide?

There's no single reason why someone might try to attempt it. However, there are some factors that can make it more likely to happen. These factors can affect people in different ways such as:¹

• Untreated mental illness and substance misuse increase risk, while problem-solving and coping skills, positive self-esteem, and a sense of purpose in life can protect against suicide.
• Family conflict, social isolation, and knowing someone who died by suicide can increase risk, while family connectedness and supportive friendships can provide protection.
• Community violence, historical trauma, and access to lethal means can increase risk, while access to behavioral health services, community or cultural beliefs that discourage suicide, and connectedness to community and social institutions can provide protection.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Certain conditions, traits, or events may increase a person’s risk for suicide. Below are some of the biggest risk factors:^{2, 3}

• Adults over age 75: Adults 75 years old or older have one of the highest rates of suicide (20.3 per 100,000) with men in that same group having the highest rate (42.2 per 100,000).³
• Race and ethnicity: Certain races and ethnicities are at a higher risk of suicide.³
  • American Indian/Alaskan Native: Non-Hispanic AI/AN people had a suicide rate 91% greater than the general population.⁴
  • Hispanic/Latino: Adults in this group are 60% less likely to receive mental health treatment than other groups, and Hispanic men were over four times more likely to die by suicide than Hispanic women.⁵
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander: For individuals ages 15 – 24 years, suicide is the leading cause of death.⁶
  • Black/African Americans: Among this group, suicide rates peak during adolescence and young adulthood, and decline until age 85 years and older. This is a different pattern than the overall U.S. population where rates peak at ages 45 – 54 years and decline until age 74 years, and then increase again at age 85 years and older.⁷
• Veterans: Veterans of the military, particularly combat Veterans, also face an increased risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans who are age 45 years old or younger.³
• Youth experiencing bullying and harassment: Young people who may be exploring and expressing their identity or orientation face unique challenges that can impact their mental health and well-being. Research shows that they are disproportionately affected by bullying, violence, and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the need for supportive and inclusive environments that promote their safety and well-being.³
• Young people: Children and young adults between ages 10 and 24 years account for 15% of all suicides and it is the second leading cause of death for people within this age range.³
• Disaster survivors: Approximately 40% of people who survive a disaster experience emotional distress six months to a year after the event and need ongoing support services.²

Are there warning signs for suicide?

If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, they may exhibit certain warning signs. These can include:

• Talking about wanting to die, guilt, shame, or being a burden to others
• Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Exhibiting extreme sadness, anxiety, agitation, or rage
• Displaying unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Changes in behavior, such as:
  • Making a plan or researching ways to die
  • Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
  • Taking dangerous risks, like driving extremely fast
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Changes in sleep and eating patterns
  • Using drugs or alcohol more often

How do I respond if I see the warning signs? 

If you suspect someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it's essential to respond with care and compassion. Here are some steps you can take:⁹

• Ask if they are thinking of hurting themselves. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it's essential to ask directly and without judgment.
• Keep them safe. Remove anything that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons, medications, or more. Ensure they are not alone.
• Be there for them. Show support and be present. Listen without judgement. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Help them connect. You can start with the 988* Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org). Follow their instructions.
• If the situation is severe, call 911.
• Follow up. Let them know you care and are thinking about them.

How do I get help and support?

Get help now

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, offer support, and connect you with resources.*

Not in crisis?

Reach out to your primary care doctor to discuss your mental health and develop a treatment plan. They can also recommend a therapist or specialist.

If you’re a Florida Blue member, you can call our care partner, Lucet at 1-866-287-9569 to locate a licensed therapist that’s right for you. They may also be able to schedule your in-person or virtual visit with a therapist and be seen within two weeks.**

Additional resources

• If you’re a Florida Blue member, meQuilibrium is an online mental well-being program designed to help you face each day with confidence.*** By using meQuilibrium, you can build resilience, learn ways to combat stress and cope with anxiety,  improve your sleep, learn tips to help others cope with their mental health, find out your stress score and learn your stress triggers. It is available at no extra cost with most health plans. Look for meQuilibrium in the Find & Get Care section of your member account.
• Anyone in the community can turn to our community specialists at our Florida Blue Centers. Our Florida Blue Centers are open to the public. You can ask questions, get help finding a doctor or finding resources in your community whether you are a Florida Blue member or not. Our centers also offer webinars and classes on topics like mental health, at no extra cost. Visit your local center or call 1-877-352-5830, or learn more at floridablue.com/center.

Go deeper

Learn more about what you can do to prevent suicide at #BeThe1To. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Suicide Prevention resources at CDC.gov/suicide.

Learn more by visiting our Better You Mental Health Webinars playlist on YouTube, where you can find a collection of recorded webinars on topics like this one.

*988 is the call number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, an independent company offering mental health counselling via phone call or text.

**Florida Blue contracts with Lucet to provide behavioral health services.

***meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. This benefit is available to Florida Blue members age 18 and older.  Eligibility is limited to members with an individual or family plan, an individual or family ACA plan and members with coverage from their fully insured group employer health plan.

¹ SAMHSA. Risk and Protective Factors.

² 988 Lifeline. Find Specific Resources For You.

³ CDC. Heath Disparities in Suicide.

⁴ CDC. Tribal Suicide Prevention.

⁵ HHS Office of Minority Health. Mental and Behavioral Health – Hispanics.

⁶ HHS Office of Minority Health. Mental and Behavioral Health – Asian Americans.

⁷ Suicide Prevention Resources Center. Black Populations.

⁸ National Institute of Mental Health. Warning Signs of Suicide.

⁹ CDC. #BeThere to Help Prevent Suicide.