Articles tagged with Suicide
A brief conversation about firearm safety can significantly increase gun owners' willingness to consider temporarily storing their firearms outside the home, a step that could help reduce suicide risk. Researchers found that participants who received Project Safe Guard became more willing to store guns elsewhere during times of crisis.
A possible biological marker of suicidal thoughts has been identified, suggesting that P2RX7 changes as suicidal thoughts become stronger or weaker. This finding may help understand why some people recover from severe suicidal thoughts, opening a new path for resilience and suicide prevention research.
The UNC School of Social Work will expand access to suicide prevention training to colleges and universities across North Carolina with a $464,290 NC state contract. The project aims to deliver Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings to over 15 institutions and reach at least 20 new MHFA instructors.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that strong social bonds and public recognition for achievements can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 Pennsylvania teens and found that personal connections with family, school, and community can decrease suicide risk.
Experts warn that US suicide deaths are undercounted due to misclassification of drug overdoses as accidental deaths. A new measure, self-injury mortality, aims to shift the focus from intent after death to accounting for behaviors prior to death.
A case-control study found that individuals with delinquent mortgage payments, repossessions, late credit card payments, and lower credit scores had a significantly increased risk of suicide. The study's findings suggest that financial stressors play a critical role in the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A new study found consistent summertime peaks in both mass shootings and suicide deaths in the US, indicating a possible link between the two. The researchers observed seasonal fluctuations in these forms of violence, raising the possibility that mass shootings may share risk pathways with suicidal behavior.
A US county-level analysis reveals a significant association between high levels of household debt and increased suicide rates during the Great Recession. Suicide rates doubled for men and tripled for adults aged 40–64 years in high-debt counties, highlighting the need for policy interventions targeting mental health impacts.
A new University of Michigan poll reveals that 31% of people aged 50 and over have never heard of any mental health crisis line, while 69% are unfamiliar with 988. Despite this, most participants expressed willingness to use these services in a mental health emergency, highlighting the need for increased awareness-raising efforts.
Researchers found a projected increase in temperature-associated suicide mortality worldwide by the 2050s under various climate change scenarios. The study analyzed data from 751 locations across 26 countries and considered regional differences in adaptation to high temperatures.
A new project developed by the University of Birmingham and Mind in Camden aims to improve understanding and response to people who hear voices, particularly when linked to suicidal thoughts. The resources encourage listening, curiosity, and collaboration to help individuals make sense of their experiences and feel more supported.
Researchers found that only 21.2% of service members and veterans who died by firearm suicide disclosed suicidal thoughts or plans before their death. Those who did confide in loved ones, rather than healthcare providers, making community-based suicide prevention strategies crucial for reaching those at risk.
A study of high school students found that total abortion bans in states were associated with increased suicidal ideation among females, with similar but less precise estimates for suicide attempts. The findings suggest that these policies may adversely impact female adolescents' mental health.
Transition-age youth experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors face substantial mental health care access disparities, with Asian, Black, and Latine youths receiving significantly lower treatment rates than white peers. Structural barriers are believed to drive these inequities rather than clinical or patient-related factors.
A recent study by Adelaide University researchers highlights the critical role of unemployment in driving suicide risk. The project's findings emphasize the need for a fundamental shift in suicide prevention efforts, acknowledging that work, unemployment, and financial insecurity are key factors. The research recommends stronger recogn...
A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a significant regulatory inconsistency in the management of products associated with fatal self-harm, including firearms, pesticides, and alcohol. The authors argue that a more consistent approach is needed to prevent suicide by treating known harmful products as the problem, rathe...
A recent study by Marta Coll-Florit found that while Spanish newspapers are openly discussing suicide, they still employ stigmatizing metaphors such as 'war' and 'epidemic', which can perpetuate shame and guilt around the topic. The researcher argues that these metaphors convey a focus on individual blame rather than collective respons...
A large national study found that veterans diagnosed with cancer are at a higher risk of suicide attempts, especially in the months following diagnosis. The risk can persist for years and is highest among younger veterans, women, and those with certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that combining ketamine with low-dose buprenorphine treatment can prolong its antisuicidal effects for at least a month. Patients who received this combination treatment showed greater and longer-lasting reductions in suicidality compared to those given a placebo.
A recent study reveals widespread exposure to harm among US teens using AI chatbots, with entertainment being the most common motivation. The study found that nearly half of teens experienced at least one risk, including exposure to unsafe content and encouraging risky behavior.
The $12 million grant from the Four Pines Fund will help Henry Ford Health expand its proven Zero Suicide Model to Kaiser Permanente Colorado and HealthPartners in Minnesota. The model has been shown to reduce patient suicides by 25% or more.
A new study found that lithium treatment can improve impulse control and decision-making in individuals with a history of medically severe suicide attempts. Researchers believe earlier identification of suicide risk and intervention with lithium may help reduce the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found single and repeated intravenous ketamine infusions to be efficacious in reducing suicidal and depressive symptoms in acute major depressive episodes. Longer-term outcomes remain unclear.
The study found that most 988 Lifeline centers struggle to find resources for full-time staffing, posing risks to staff well-being and service quality. Critical financing and operational strategies will be needed to support recruitment and retention to sustain high-quality 988 Lifeline services.
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
Researchers found striking, decades-long cycles in US suicide rates, influenced by broad social forces. Suicide risk has been rising steadily for over half a century among young people, affecting each new generation earlier in life.
Researchers found higher rates of suicidal ideation among individuals who died by firearm suicide after 2020, but lower engagement in mental health treatment. Demographic shifts also occurred, with more young, male, and minority decedents, highlighting gaps in suicide prevention strategies.
A nationwide ecological study found a statistical correlation between fewer psychiatric beds and higher suicide rates in Sweden. The study suggests that investing in outpatient care may not be enough to prevent suicides, highlighting the need for further research into healthcare resource allocation.
Researchers developed Plan & Protect, a technology-guided safety planning program for rural youth with suicidality seeking care in emergency departments. The program aims to enhance accessibility and usability of safety planning in resource-limited settings, supporting more effective crisis care for adolescents in rural communities.
The study found significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after the US launched its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Larger reductions were observed in states with the highest adoption of the 988 Lifeline services.
A retrospective cross-sectional study found significant associations between unsecured firearm storage and heightened suicide risk in US Army service members. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm also linked to elevated suicide risk, suggesting that any type of weapon carrying behavior may indicate increased vulnerability.
A comprehensive analysis of UK suicide data from 2019-2024 found a significant rise in cases involving sodium nitrite poisoning, predominantly affecting Gen Z and Millennials. The study highlights the need for urgent action to restrict access to this preservative and provide antidotes to mitigate its effects.
A recent survey found that 72% of youth aged 13-17 use AI companions and 52% report regular use, highlighting the need for robust safeguards. Well-designed chatbots can normalize help-seeking, reduce isolation, and offer coping strategies, but poorly designed ones can cause harm.
A Vanderbilt University study analyzed 633,000 survey participants and found that loneliness played a critical role in suicidal ideation. Reducing loneliness could
A comprehensive scoping review of 37 studies found that Ukrainian children exposed to a decade of war face high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and self-harm. Children who had been forcibly displaced, exposed to violence, or separated from parents faced higher risks of mental health problems.
A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can amplify the risk of suicide associated with heat stress, especially during the warm season. The researchers analyzed 7,500 suicide cases in Utah and found a strong synergistic effect of heat and nitrogen dioxide.
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
Researchers analyzed data from over 62,000 participants, finding that loneliness partially mediated the link between anxiety and suicidal thoughts as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Targeting loneliness may be a crucial strategy to prevent progression from these conditions.
A new study found that autistic people face inequalities from childhood, leading to suicidal thoughts and deaths. The researchers emphasize the need for a commitment to a properly resourced Autism Strategy to prevent suicidal trajectories.
A new study analyzing global Google Trends data reveals a sharp increase in online searches for crisis hotlines, particularly in recent years. The findings suggest that digital help-seeking signals can provide timely insight into population distress and demand for crisis resources.
Researchers argue that mandated reminders about a chatbot's non-human nature may exacerbate mental distress and form stronger attachments. The warnings come after recent deaths by suicide linked to chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI, highlighting the need for careful crafting and timing of these reminders.
A new study sheds light on the complex factors driving rising suicide rates among Black youth, identifying protective factors such as anxiety and religiosity that may help mitigate this risk. Timely assessment and follow-up after deliberate self-harm are also crucial in decreasing suicide risk.
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
A study led by University College London found that academic pressure at age 15 is linked to higher depressive symptoms and self-harm in young people. The association persists into adulthood, with high levels of academic pressure at age 15 associated with increased risk of self-harm up to age 24.
Research suggests a significant increase in suicide hotline calls during periods of extreme heat. Temperatures above the hottest 99th percentile have been linked to a 168% rise in crisis calls, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found significantly higher blood alcohol levels and intoxication rates among LGB women who died by suicide compared to heterosexual women. The study highlights alcohol use as a potentially modifiable target for suicide prevention efforts among this population.
A cohort study found a 9-fold increased risk of suicide in Norwegian patients discharged alive after critical injury. Follow-up is recommended for possible psychological distress in this patient group.
A new research project at Staffordshire University is examining the barriers that prevent people from seeking help for problem gambling. The study aims to understand how experiences of shame differ across genders and cultures, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.
Researchers have identified five classifications of youth who have died by suicide, highlighting the importance of earlier detection and interventions. These classifications will improve primary care providers' understanding of specific risk factors and warning signs, enabling targeted prevention efforts.
The January 2026 issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals feature groundbreaking research on externalizing disorders, pediatric anxiety, autism, and inflammation-related depression. The studies also explore the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in suicide prevention.
A new UK-based study found that adults who experience a head injury face a substantially higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without such injuries. The 20-year population-based matched cohort study analyzed data from over 1.8 million adults and found that people with head injuries were 21% more likely to attempt suicide.
A decline in churchgoing among middle-aged, less educated white Americans is linked to increased mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease. The study found that states with the largest declines in churchgoing experienced larger increases in deaths of despair, starting years before the opioid crisis began.
A study analyzing resharing behavior on X (formerly Twitter) shows that different expressed emotions unfold in the aftermath of celebrity suicides, with disgust being the most contagious emotion. The findings emphasize the need for emotion-specific approaches to both theoretical modeling and practical intervention in online environments.
A new study reveals that 16% of teens exposed to both phases of the Russo-Ukrainian war experience PTSD symptoms, while over 10% experience severe depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for immediate and sustained attention to support Ukrainian youth's mental health needs.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.