Every September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a critical moment to confront a silent crisis, foster open conversations and save lives. Suicide remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States, yet it is often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.
Suicide is not a rare event; it is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2024, nearly 49,000 Americans died by suicide, translating to roughly one death every 11 minutes. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 34. Men account for approximately four out of every five suicide deaths in the U.S., largely due to the use of more lethal means. However, women report higher rates of suicidal ideation and non-fatal attempts. LGBTQ+ individuals — especially youth, transgender and nonbinary people — face disproportionately high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts driven by stigma, discrimination and barriers to affirming care. Approximately, 45% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year per The Trevor Project. Nevertheless, increased awareness and efforts to destigmatize mental health have sparked meaningful change. Between 2023 and 2024, suicide rates decreased by 2%, with notable drops among youth, young adults and several marginalized groups. This percentage can continue to decrease if people use available resources to help themselves and inform their communities on how to recognize warning signs and help.
People who are depressed often feel as though they have no one to listen to them, but lifelines do exist. In 2025 alone, local centers for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline received over 4.3 million calls — a 12% increase from the prior year. Speaking with a physician, counselor or loved one can also be deeply beneficial if someone is willing to open up in person.
However, taking that first step is often difficult for an affected individual. Some key warning signs to look for include behavioral changes such as withdrawing from loved ones, talking about feeling trapped or being a burden, experiencing extreme mood swings or giving away prized possessions. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not increase their risk or plant the idea in their head — instead, it acts as a relief valve and opens the door to getting help. Finally, keeping crisis numbers easily accessible and offering to connect someone to local professional resources can make a life-saving difference.
Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor; rather, it stems from a complex mix of health, environmental and historical stressors. Because most of us likely know someone who has been directly affected, staying informed allows us to better support our loved ones when they need it most.
Dr. Christian Colin is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland and Huntsville and Magnolia and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.