Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in Minnesota and tenth nationally. From 1999-2017, suicide deaths steadily increased from 437 in 1999 to 783 in 2017. This is an increase of 79 percent. Suicides are not experienced equally across age groups, genders or geography in Minnesota:

• Firearms are the leading mechanism of suicide deaths for males, and account for 54 percent of male suicide deaths.
• From 2016 to 2017, the male suicide rate increased 18 percent from in the Seven-county Metro, but remained lower than the Greater Minnesota male suicide rate.
• Comparing suicide rates by race during the 2013-2017 period, the American Indian population experienced the greatest rate in Minnesota and had a rate nearly two times greater than the national rate.

Suicide is preventable. We can decrease the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors by increasing access to quality behavioral healthcare, building meaningful relationships, practicing safe suicide reporting and messaging, developing coping skills, and creating safe and supportive communities.

If you need free and confidential support call the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

If you need immediate medical help call 911!