Suicide prevention has become a national issue, motivated by the increasing statistics. The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP) represents the combined work of advocates, clinicians, researchers and survivors around the nation. It lays out a framework for action to prevent suicide and guides development of an array of services and programs that must be developed. It is designed to be a catalyst for social change with the power to transform attitudes, policies, and services. The NSSP Goals and Objectives for Action was published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in May of 2001, with leadership from the Surgeon General.
Specific programs are to be developed to address the projected causes in different age groups and genders. For instance:
Suicidal behaviors in young people are usually the result of a process that involves multiple social, economic, familial, and individual risk factors with mental health problems playing an important part in its development. Identified risk factors for suicide and attempted suicide for young people include the following: mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, certain personality disorders, low socioeconomic status, childhood maltreatment, parental separation or divorce, inappropriate access to firearms, and interpersonal conflicts or losses. For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is among the three leading causes of death.