New Survey Finds Most Americans Want Suicide Prevention to Be a National Priority

A new national survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults found the majority of those surveyed (81%) believe, as a result of COVID-19, it is now more important than ever to make suicide prevention a national priority. The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and Education Development Center (EDC). The survey data also show 52% of respondents report being more open to talking about mental health as a result of COVID-19. These important data reinforce that Americans know they play a key role in strengthening suicide prevention and mental health, especially as the pandemic continues to take a toll on many people’s health and well-being.

As the data show, most Americans believe suicide can be prevented (93%) and would do something if someone close to them was thinking about suicide (95%). However, many people (69%) identified key barriers to talking about suicide, such as not knowing what to say (31%), feeling they don’t have enough knowledge (28%), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19%). You can play a role today in helping to reduce those barriers by sharing tips and resources that empower all Americans to take action to support themselves and others. We all play a role!