Suicide is a major public health concern. In the United States, it ranks among the top nine causes of death for people ages 10–64. For youth and young adults ages 10–34, it is the second leading cause of death after unintentional injuries. These numbers show why awareness—during Suicide Prevention Month and all year—matters for patients, families, and healthcare teams. When we recognize warning signs early and connect people to care, lives can be saved.
Understanding Gender Differences in Suicide
While suicide is a major cause of mortality for all genders; significant differences exist in suicidal behaviors and risk factors among genders. Men are more likely to die by suicide, often because they use more lethal methods. Women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and are about three times more likely to attempt suicide. Women more often use poisoning/overdose; men more often use firearms. Over the last two decades, suicide rates have risen for both men and women—with a larger increase among women. Knowing these differences helps clinicians, families, and communities tailor prevention, ask direct questions, and create safer environments.
What Research Tells Us About Women and Suicide
Summary from a CDC Data Brief by Margaret F. Garnett, PhD, and Sally C. Curtin, MA (National Center for Health Statistics, 2024; Data Brief No. 509).
- Suicide is a major cause of mortality for all genders; significant differences exist in suicidal behaviors and risk factors among genders.
- Amongst reproductive aged women, the rates of major depression and severe anxiety disorders are twice as high as amongst aged-matched men.
- Studies show that, although men are more likely to die by suicide, women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and are three times more likely to make a suicide attempt.
- Specifically, among suicides, women are more likely to overdose or die by poisoning, while men are more likely to die by self-inflicted firearm injury.
- An alarming CDC statistic shows that women experienced a 40.5% age-adjusted increase in suicide rates over the last 20 years (2002–2022), while men experienced a 24.3% age-adjusted increase.
- For women, the highest rate of lethal suicide is in ages 45–64; for men, the highest rate is age 75 and older.
Core Risk Factors for Women
Many factors can raise suicide risk for women. These often overlap:
- Mental health conditions. Major depression and severe anxiety are more common in reproductive-age women than in men. Depression is a key risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior.
- Biological influences. Changes in ovarian hormones across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause can affect mood and, for some, increase risk.
- Social determinants and stress. Caregiving load, role strain, financial pressure, discrimination, and limited access to care can add up.
- History and environment. Prior mental health diagnoses, a family history of suicide, childhood abuse, and intimate partner violence increase risk.
- Access to lethal means. Firearms, large quantities of medication, or toxic substances raise danger during a crisis.
- Protective factors. Positive social support, feeling connected, problem-solving skills, and timely, evidence-based care lower risk.
Understanding suicide rates and risk factors shows how common suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be. This helps healthcare workers identify patients at higher risk and connect them to care.
Warning Signs and What To Do Now
Spotting warning signs—and acting—can save a life.
What to watch for
- Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden
- Sudden mood changes: more anxious, agitated, angry, or “numb”
- Withdrawing from family, friends, school, or work
- Risky behavior, increased substance use, or giving away belongings
- Searching for methods or access to firearms/medications
How to Help Right Away
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Stay with the person. Remove or lock up firearms, medications, or other dangers.
- Call 988 for immediate support, or local emergency services if danger is urgent.
- Help connect to professional care and a safety plan. Encourage follow-up with a trusted clinician.
See more expert advice about talking to someone who is having suidical thoughts.
How UC Health Can Help
You are not alone. UC Health offers care for every stage—from urgent help to ongoing support.
- Same-day and urgent care. Psychiatric Emergency Services and our Mobile Crisis Team can assess risk, create a safety plan, and connect you to care.
- Outpatient psychiatry and therapy. Evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma, and related conditions.
- Integrated women’s behavioral health. Care that considers menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause, and chronic stress.
- Team-based care. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, OB-GYN, and primary care coordinate your plan.
Explore services or request an appointment: UC Health Psychiatry Services.
When to Seek Emergency Help
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.
For urgent mental health support right now:
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7 call or text)
- 513-584-5098 — UC Health Mobile Crisis Team (Hamilton County residents)
- 513-584-8577 — UC Health Psychiatric Emergency Services
While you wait for help: stay with the person, remove or lock up firearms and medications, and keep the environment calm.
