EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we're turning our attention to National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and exploring the science behind mental health and suicide prevention.

Latest news releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 20-Oct-2026 20:16 ET (21-Oct-2026 00:16 GMT/UTC)

28-Apr-2026

Study reveals century-long cycles in U.S. suicide rates and a long-term crisis among youth

University of Utah Health
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Suicide rates in the United States follow striking, decades-long cycles likely shaped by broad social forces, according to a new study. But beneath that long-term rise-and-fall pattern, researchers uncovered a deeply concerning and persistent trend: suicide risk among young people has been rising steadily for more than half a century, affecting each new generation earlier in life.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

28-Apr-2026

Researchers spot shifts in firearm suicide risk and seeking treatment after 2020 purchasing surge

Rutgers University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Individuals who died by firearm suicide following the 2020 firearm purchasing surge were more likely to be from racial minority groups, had higher rates of suicidal ideation and were less likely to have engaged in mental health treatment prior to their death, according to Rutgers University researchers.

Journal: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

28-Apr-2026

The link between reduced inpatient care and suicide

Lund University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In Sweden, more resources have been allocated to expanding outpatient psychiatric care while the number of inpatient beds is steadily declining. A study by Lund University shows a statistical link between fewer psychiatric beds and higher suicide rates. The study was published in The Lancet Regional Health –Europe.

Journal: The Lancet Regional Health - Europe
Funder: Region Skåne

27-Apr-2026

Rural youth face elevated firearm risk and mental health challenges

Rutgers University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Rural youth experience higher rates of firearm exposure, handgun carrying and associated mental health risks, according to Rutgers researchers.

Their study, published in Trauma, Violence, and Abuse, examined recent literature on rural youth firearm exposure and its association with health risk behaviors and outcomes, including violence and suicide.

Journal: Behavioral Medicine

24-Apr-2026

Rural adolescents are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their urban peers

Pediatric Academic Societies
Reports and Proceedings

Rural-residing adolescents are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their urban-residing peers. To better support crisis care for rural youth, researchers developed Plan & Protect, a technology-guided safety planning program for youth with suicidality seeking care in rural emergency departments. Plan & Protect aims to enhance accessibility, usability, and fidelity of safety planning in resource-limited emergency departments, with a goal of supporting more effective crisis care for adolescents in rural communities. The program and findings from the study will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting, taking place April 24-27 in Boston.

Meeting: PAS 2026

22-Apr-2026

Suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after launch of a suicide and crisis lifeline

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: This analysis found that launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was associated with significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults nationally. Observed reductions were larger in states with the highest uptake of 988 Lifeline services. In July 2022, the U.S. launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, replacing the 10-digit 1-800-273-TALK number with a 3-digit number and investing more than $1.5 billion to expand crisis center capacity and workforce nationwide.

Journal: JAMA

21-Apr-2026

Firearm storage and carrying practices and suicidal behaviors in US Army service members

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, unsecured firearm storage practices were significantly associated with increased suicide risk across all time frames, after controlling for lifetime mental health disorders and history of stressful life events. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm was also associated with heightened suicide risk. The findings suggest firearm storage and carrying behavior of any weapon, not just firearms, may indicate heightened suicide risk among military service members.

Journal: JAMA Network Open