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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, according to a 2025 report by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It serves as a reminder to be vigilant about preventing this cause of death. Some may question why suicide is referred to as the most preventable cause of death among emerging adults. In 2024, Speakingofsuicide.com released a report titled, “No, Suicide Isn’t Always Preventable,” which argued that labeling suicide as preventable can be harmful. However, it doesn’t mean that every suicide can be prevented, but rather emphasizes systematic ways to reduce the number of completed suicides. This argument is supported by research such as the 2024 National Survey of Drug Use and Health report, which showed a decrease in serious suicidal thoughts among teens from 13.5% in 2021 to 10.1% in 2024.
The federal government also recognized September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month last month. Here are three reasons why suicide is considered preventable.
Emerging Adults Display Lower Levels of Suicide Intent
A 2022 study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that older adults with a suicide attempt exhibited higher levels of suicide intent compared to younger adults with a suicide attempt. Suicide intent, which is the determination to end one’s life, is more common in individuals facing end-of-life issues. On the other hand, suicide ideation, which is thinking about suicide, is more prevalent in individuals experiencing overwhelming distress. Younger adults are more likely to have suicide ideation than suicide intention, as evidenced by a study in the Brazilian journal of Revista Latino-americana de Enfermagem. This indicates that many emerging adults who attempt suicide are seeking to escape distress rather than end their lives.
Suicide Includes Known Risk and Protective Factors
The Center for Disease Control’s 2024 report on risk and protective factors for suicide highlights the importance of recognizing these factors to be more vigilant. For instance, the report mentions that the loss of a relationship is a significant risk factor for suicide. Therefore, it’s crucial to acknowledge and address the distress young adults may experience after a social rejection or breakup.
Suicide Prevention Efforts Work
Interventions aimed at reducing suicides have proven to be effective. For example, a 2025 report in the journal of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior showed that 88.1% of callers to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline credited the call with preventing them from taking their own lives. Other interventions like gatekeeper training, restricting access to lethal means, and help-seeking campaigns have also shown positive outcomes.
Labeling suicide as a preventable cause of death is not about assigning blame after a suicide occurs. It acknowledges the possibility of prevention and highlights the importance of community awareness and support for those struggling. Despite the complexities of suicide, there are ways to promote hope and prevent tragic outcomes.
