September highlights suicide prevention as Indiana continues to face significant toll

September serves as Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and reminding Hoosiers that help is available for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The need for that awareness remains significant in Indiana.

According to the latest complete data available from the Indiana Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,175 Hoosiers died by suicide in 2024. Indiana's overall suicide death rate was 17.0 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The data show that suicide affects Hoosiers across every age group, although rates differ considerably.

Among children ages 0 to 17, Indiana recorded 40 suicide deaths in 2024, with a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100,000 children. Among Hoosiers ages 18 to 25, there were 153 deaths and a rate of 20.0 per 100,000.Among adults ages 26 to 44, Indiana recorded 399 suicide deaths, representing a rate of 23.4 per 100,000. There were 372 deaths among adults ages 45 to 64, with a rate of 22.5 per 100,000. Among those 65 and older, there were 211 deaths, with a rate of 17.4 per 100,000.

The Indiana Department of Health's 2024 data also break suicide rates down into narrower age groups. Children ages 0 to 14 had a suicide rate of 0.5 per 100,000, while teenagers ages 15 to 19 had a rate of 12.4. Hoosiers ages 20 to 24 had a rate of 21.8. Among adults, the highest rate was recorded among those ages 35 to 44, at 24.3 deaths per 100,000.

Sex is another significant difference in Indiana's suicide statistics.

In 2024, the suicide death rate for Indiana males was 27.6 deaths per 100,000, compared with 6.0 per 100,000 for females. That means the male suicide rate was more than four times the female rate.The national data show a similar disparity. The CDC reported that the suicide rate among males in 2024 was nearly four times the rate among females.

While suicide deaths are the most visible measure, they represent only part of the issue. The CDC estimates that nationally in 2024, 14.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan and 2.2 million attempted suicides.

For young people, suicide prevention also remains an important concern. The CDC identifies suicide as a leading cause of death among both youth and adults and notes that many people who experience suicidal thoughts or behavior do not necessarily have a previously diagnosed mental health condition.

Suicide Prevention Month offers an opportunity to move conversations about mental health beyond a single month. Recognizing changes in someone's behavior, checking in with friends and family members and taking expressions of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts seriously can help connect people with support.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week

.If someone is in immediate danger or has already attempted suicide, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.