Suicide & Mental Health: What Everyone Should Know
Suicide profoundly impacts people of all ages, often to an extent comparable to other major public health crises, yet it continues to be overlooked, stigmatized, and under-addressed.
It's time we talk openly and support each other.

1. Suicide Is a Leading Cause of Death Across All Ages
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For ages 10–44, suicide is consistently among the top five causes of death.
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It ranks #2 for youth (10–24), and continues to affect adults at every stage of life.
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2. Rates Are Rising Nationwide
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Suicide rates have been steadily increasing since 2007, particularly among:
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Teens and young adults (15–24)
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Middle-aged adults (25–44)
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Men over 65 are often underrepresented in outreach efforts.
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3. Mental Health Affects Everyone
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Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and trauma do not discriminate by age.
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Whether you're a teen navigating identity or a senior facing isolation, mental health care matters.
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4. Stigma Hurts Across Generations
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Youth fear judgment. Adults fear professional consequences. Seniors fear abandonment.
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In every age group, stigma fuels silence, suffering, and missed opportunities for help.
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5. Connection Saves Lives
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Peer support helps teens open up, adults feel understood, and older adults stay engaged.
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The simple act of listening without judgment is life-saving at any age.
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6. We Can Rewrite the Story Together
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Normalize the conversation—from classrooms to boardrooms to senior centers.
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Promote accessible mental health resources.
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Build community-led spaces where people of all ages feel seen, supported, and valued.
Citations Suicide Statistics & Leading Causes of Death - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC Suicide Data & Statistics Includes age-specific suicide rates and rankings among leading causes of death. - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) NIMH Suicide Statistics Provides breakdowns by age group, method, and demographic trends. - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) AFSP Suicide Statistics Offers annual suicide data and insights into prevention efforts. Mental Health Stigma & Impact - CDC Mental Health Stigma Overview CDC on Mental Health Stigma Explains how stigma affects care-seeking and outcomes. - NAMI: Mental Health by the Numbers National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Includes prevalence, treatment gaps, and stigma-related barriers.
