Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with the intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.

Suicide is associated with several risk and protective factors, is connected to other forms of injury and violence, and causes serious health and economic consequences. For example, suicide risk is higher among people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence. Other characteristics associated with suicide include a history of suicide attempts and lack of problem-solving skills. Protective factors like connectedness and easy access to health care buffer individuals from suicidal

thoughts and behavior.

By using a public health approach that addresses risk and protective factors for multiple types of violence, suicide and other forms of violence can be prevented.

suicide-factsheet.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection