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: 24-Jun-2026 02:16 ET (24-Jun-2026 06:16 GMT/UTC)

19-May-2026

Drug combo is the first to prolong ketamine’s antisuicide effects

Stanford Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a new placebo-controlled clinical trial, Stanford Medicine researchers found that low-dose buprenorphine could extend ketamine’s temporary antisuicide effects by at least four weeks.

Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry

12-May-2026

60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily

Florida Atlantic University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new national study reveals just how deeply AI chatbots are shaping teen life – and the hidden dangers that may come with them. Surveying more than 3,400 adolescents nationwide, researchers found many teens turn to chatbots not only for entertainment, but also for emotional support, advice, friendship and romantic companionship. Nearly half reported harmful experiences, including manipulation, misinformation and risky interactions, raising urgent questions about safeguards as AI becomes woven into adolescence.

11-May-2026

$12 million grant will advance Henry Ford Health's suicide prevention model across the US

Henry Ford Health
Grant and Award Announcement

Henry Ford Health has received a $12 million grant from the Four Pines Fund to expand its Zero Suicide Model across the U.S. This proven approach has reduced suicide rates by up to 25% in health systems. The funding will enhance suicide prevention services at Henry Ford Health, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, and HealthPartners in Minnesota, and establish a new suicide prevention center at Henry Ford Health. With over 49,000 U.S. suicides in 2023, this initiative addresses a critical public health issue.

Funder: Four Pines Fund

7-May-2026

Lithium may help curb impulsive decisions tied to suicide risk, study finds

Texas A&M University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study finds that brain electrical activity tied to impulsive decision-making — a key contributor to suicide risk — changes after lithium treatment in people who have survived a life-threatening suicide attempt. The findings from Texas A&M University and Baylor College of Medicine were published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Journal: Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology

7-May-2026

Hasanuddin University study outlines protocol for a community-driven approach to prevent adolescent female suicide

Hasanuddin University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Suicide rates among adolescent girls in Gorontalo, a province in Indonesia, are among the highest in the country. However, existing mental health interventions rarely reflect the social and cultural realities of the communities they aim to serve. Researchers from Hasanuddin University have now proposed a qualitative study protocol to explore the lived experiences of at-risk young women and key community stakeholders, with the aim of collaboratively designing a culturally grounded and community-owned mental health intervention.

Journal: International Journal of Qualitative Methods

6-May-2026

Ketamine infusions and rapid reduction of suicidal and depressive symptoms in major depressive episode

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that single and repeated intravenous ketamine infusions are efficacious in reducing suicidal and depressive symptoms in patients with a major depressive episode in the acute phase, while longer-term outcomes are not well established.

Journal: JAMA Psychiatry

5-May-2026

Workforce and staffing at 988 suicide & crisis lifeline centers

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In this cross-sectional survey study of 988 Lifeline leaders, results suggested that most centers struggled to find resources to keep the center fully staffed. If staffing challenges persist, centers could face risks to staff well-being and service quality. Financing and operational strategies that support recruitment and retention will be critical to sustaining the quality and accessibility of 988 Lifeline centers.

Journal: JAMA Network Open