Some ethnic groups and races are at higher risk. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), Non-Hispanic Whites and Native Americans had the highest rates of suicide in 2015, while Non-Hispanic African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics had lower rates. Cultural and social risks include:
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with seeking help for one’s (mental or emotional) problems
- Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Certain cultural and religious beliefs
- Influence of others who have died by suicide