Why Suicide Is Called A Preventable Cause Of Death For Emerging Adults

In line with the commitment to mental health awareness, September emerges as National Suicide Prevention Month. This initiative serves as a significant reminder for communities to actively work towards the prevention of suicide, a leading cause of death within the emerging adult demographic. A 2025 report from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) emphasizes the importance of awareness, explaining why suicide is often considered a preventable cause of death. The AFSP believes that while not every case of suicide can be prevented, there are systematic measures that can significantly decrease the incidence of completed suicides.

Contrary to this perspective, a report published by Speakingofsuicide.com in 2024—entitled “No, Suicide Isn’t Always Preventable”—challenges the notion that all suicides can be prevented. This counterargument stresses that framing suicide as preventable could lead to harm, yet it ultimately reinforces the idea that effective strategies exist to lower the rates of suicide. This viewpoint aligns with findings from the 2024 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, which reported a decline in serious suicidal thoughts among teens from 13.5% in 2021 to 10.1% in 2024.

The observance of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month has been echoed by various organizations, including federal reports, which emphasize the urgent need for effective suicide prevention strategies. Below, we explore three compelling reasons why suicide is frequently labeled preventable.

Understanding Lower Levels of Suicide Intent in Emerging Adults

Research published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2022 highlighted a significant distinction between older and younger adults in terms of suicide intent. The study found that older adults exhibiting suicide attempts generally demonstrate elevated levels of intent as a result of end-of-life complications, such as chronic medical issues or the loss of a life partner. Conversely, emerging adults often face overwhelming distress rather than terminal thoughts, indicating that their suicide ideation is often manifesting as a cry for help rather than a genuine desire to end their lives.

According to a 2021 analysis in the Brazilian journal Revista Latino-americana de Enfermagem, there is a prevalence rate of 27.1% for suicide ideation among young adults, in stark contrast to a mere 3.1% prevalence rate for actual suicide attempts. This suggests that many individuals in this age group seek to escape their psychological pain rather than end their existence. Promoting hope and developing proactive coping mechanisms can play a vital role in saving lives.

Identifying Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a comprehensive report in 2024 outlining the risk and protective factors for suicide. This knowledge equips individuals and communities to be more vigilant regarding potential suicide risks. Notably, the loss of significant relationships is recognized as a critical risk factor, making it essential to acknowledge the emotional turmoil young adults endure following social rejections or romantic breakups.

Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention Initiatives

Evidence supporting the success of suicide prevention interventions is robust. For instance, research published in 2025 in the Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior journal revealed astounding findings that 88.1% of individuals who reached out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline reported that their call prevented them from acting on suicidal thoughts. Additional strategies contributing to suicide reduction encompass gatekeeper training, limiting access to lethal means, and campaigns encouraging individuals to seek help.

Defining suicide as a preventable cause of death should not lead to feelings of blame within communities following a completed suicide. A fundamental tragedy of suicide is the multitude of uncertainties surrounding the act itself, yet it is possible to foster awareness and instill hope within communities to support those in distress.