Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions. Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is defined as the act of killing oneself.

Frequently suicide occurs in the context of a major depressive episode, but it may also occur as a result of a substance use or other disorder. It sometimes occurs in the absence of any psychiatric disorder, especially in untenable situations, such as extreme or prolonged bereavement or declining health.

Factors that affect the risk of suicide include mental disorders, drug misuse, psychological states, cultural, family and social situations, genetics, experiences of trauma or loss, and nihilism. Mental disorders and substance misuse frequently co-exist. Other risk factors include having previously attempted suicide, the ready availability of a means to take one's life, a family history of suicide, or the presence of traumatic brain injury. For example, suicide rates have been found to be greater in households with firearms than those without them.

Socio-economic problems such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and discrimination may trigger suicidal thoughts. Suicide might be rarer in societies with high social cohesion and moral objections against suicide. About 15–40% of people leave a suicide note. War veterans have a higher risk of suicide due in part to higher rates of mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical health problems related to war. Genetics appears to account for between 38% and 55% of suicidal behaviors. Suicides may also occur as a local cluster of cases.

Fears about foreclosure or not being able to provide for one’s family, or one’s family’s future, are very real concerns. The loss of one’s traditional role, such as the family’s financial backbone, can leave people vulnerable to extreme depression. However, even the worst financial crisis is manageable, and thoughts of suicide are serious red flags that professional help is needed.

Remember, what you are going through is temporary, and while your current situation seems inescapable, it will not always be so bad. Breaking time down into manageable chunks—concentrating on getting through the next hour, the next day, the next week—will help you deal with your sense of desperation until you are able to work with a licensed professional.

If you feel at risk of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). This call is free and accessible 24 hours a day, every day. The service is available to anyone and all calls are confidential. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about.

If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave them alone. Try to get them to seek immediate help from their doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If they will not seek help, call 911. Eliminate access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including unsupervised access to medications.