Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. Strong social connections are among the most powerful protections against suicide. Communities can help prevent suicide by fostering connection, encouraging conversations about mental health, and ensuring access to care.

Suicide

How common is it for students to consider suicide?

Click on the map below to explore data about our young people by grade, gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Results are organized by county, although participating school districts do not always align with county boundaries. 

    Strategies

    Takeaways

    Gender expansive and LGBQ+ students more commonly considered suicide than any other groups.

    • Across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Partial Hampden counties, at least 4 in 10 gender expansive students had considered suicide. In Franklin County/North Quabbin, 3 in 10 gender expansive students had considered suicide. 

    • The rate of LGBQ+ students who considered suicide (at least 2 in 10) was nearly three times higher than straight students. 


    Cis female students considered suicide around twice as often as cis male students. 

    Understanding the Data

    Not all students took the survey, so the results may not reflect everyone’s experiences. Also, when results are for a small number of students, even one or two different answers can noticeably change the results. This data should be considered alongside other information to better understand what students are experiencing. 


    • Differences across student groups or regions may be shaped by many factors, including school and community conditions, racism, classism, ableism, heterosexism, and gender-based discrimination. When interpreting the data, we encourage users to consider the broader systems and environments that shape health and well-being.


    • We do not recommend comparing responses between counties because survey questions, methods, and timing may differ across the region. 


    Learn more about Understanding the Data. 

    Trends & Comparisons

    Trends & Comparisons 

    Our Definitions

    Select a term to learn more

    See our Methods and Data Dictionary to learn how we grouped students into categories based on their responses to demographic questions.

    413Cares

    Free and reduced cost services

    Find free and reduced cost services on 413Cares Community Platform related to suicide.

    Find Help

    Enter your zip code to find local services

    Strategies & Research to Promote Youth Wellbeing

    Strategies

    Strategies

    Explore evidence-based practices, promising approaches, public awareness campaigns, tools, policy strategies, and examples of local action that support youth well-being and help prevent negative health outcomes.

    Loading items…
      Research

      Research

      Explore surveys, reports, briefs, research studies, and other data resources that help communities understand youth experiences, identify needs, monitor trends, and inform action.

      Loading items…
        Research on Vaping, Why It Matters

        Why It Matters

        Loading content…

        Explore Another Topic

        Explore the topics below to dive into the data, better understand key issues, and connect with related resources.