Preventable Tragedies: Suicide
Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death for people with severe mental illness (SMI) and has a devastating impact on families and communities. Although the frequency of suicide is tragic and alarming, there is hope. Treatments focused on preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been shown to decrease suicide and self-harm for people with SMI.
FAQ: SMI and Suicide
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are much more common among people with SMI than the general population. Research suggests that up to 40% of people with psychotic disorders experience suicidal thoughts, up to 30% of people with psychotic disorders attempt suicide, and up to 10% of people with psychotic disorders die from suicide.
The risk of dying by suicide is especially high when an individual with SMI is not receiving adequate treatment for their illness. Suicidal behaviors are especially common when an individual is actively experiencing symptoms of hallucinations. Other vulnerable periods for suicidal behaviors include during an individual’s first episode of psychosis and after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A counselor from this lifeline is available to speak with you at any time of day, 365 days a year.
Yes, our Family Resource center has a number of resources that you may find helpful. You can also send our team an email at help@tac.org. If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact 988.
People with psychotic disorders are 13 times more at risk of dying from suicide than the general population.
Explore recent research and resources about suicide
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