Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 2026

Raising awareness about suicide prevention is important for the ADHD community. People with ADHD can struggle with strong emotions, impulsive actions, and other mental health concerns. Research suggests they may be three to four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and two to three times more likely to attempt suicide.  The risk can be even greater when they have coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, or other mental health conditions.

Recognizing warning signs early and having access to support and treatment can help reduce the risk of suicide. Families, healthcare providers, schools, and communities can all play a role by listening, taking concerns seriously, and helping to get care when it is needed.

If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text TALK to 741741.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Assessing and Treating Suicidality and Self-Injury in ADHD Clients

Assessing and Treating Suicidality and Self-Injury in ADHD Clients

In this conference presentation, Emily Kircher-Morris, MA, MEd, LPC, explains why people with ADHD may be at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and self-injury, including challenges with managing emotions, acting impulsively, handling frustration, and having other mental health conditions. She also looks at how sensory needs and difficulties in different environments can affect assessment and treatment.

Recordings of selected educational sessions from past annual international conferences on ADHD can be purchased from CHADD’s online store.

ADVOCACY

CHADD supports the 988 Implementation Act in the 119th Congress, to be reintroduced this month by Representatives Matsui (CA-07) and Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

This comprehensive bill would:

  • Solidify funding for 988 regional and local call centers to ensure a timely 24/7 response to callers anywhere in the country.
  • Provide funding for community-based crisis response, including mobile crisis teams and crisis centers.
  • Support crisis workforce development with increased funding for training and scholarship opportunities.
  • Increase access to care by requiring that all health insurance plans cover crisis services.
  • Implement a national suicide prevention awareness campaign in partnership with a wide array of stakeholders.

PARTNERSHIPS

Young people with ADHD face a significantly higher risk of suicidal behaviors and suicide attempts than their peers without ADHD. CHADD is honored to collaborate with Jake Collective, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving the lives of neurodivergent young people and advancing meaningful solutions to this critical issue.

Jake Collective is building strategic partnerships to help move society towards a future in which young neurodivergent people feel truly seen and understood—and families, clinicians, educators, and communities have the knowledge and tools they need to support them and save lives. The organization was founded in honor of Jake Schreiber, who was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and died by suicide at age 19. His story—and the urgent need for greater understanding, prevention, and support—are at the heart of Jake Collective’s work.

VIDEOS

ADHD and Suicide Risk Factors | Clinical Considerations for TreatmentRoberto Olivardia, PhD, presents a comprehensive view of ADHD, a thorough understanding of the facts and myths about suicide, risk factors for suicide, and important treatment considerations.

PODCASTS

ADHD, Self-Harm, and SuicideMichael Meinzer, PhD, gives insight into the difference between suicidal ideation and self-harm, triggers, warning signs, treatment, and appropriate responses to help someone with suicidal thoughts.
Adult ADHD and Suicide PreventionJill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, shares insight and understanding of risk factors and other conditions that often coexist with ADHD, and discusses warning signals, preventive measures, and the approach to take if faced with someone expressing suicidal ideation.
Teens, ADHD, and SuicideJill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, talks about the warning signs parents should watch for in their children. She also provides strategies for talking to your child and teen about suicide, building a support network, and preventive measures.
ADHD and the Increasing Suicide Rate Among Black YouthNapoleon Higgins, MD, shares insights about how ADHD may be contributing to the increased number of suicides in Black youth, makes recommendations for educators and healthcare providers about cultural sensitivity, and offers advice for parents of children with ADHD on diagnosis, treatment, and suicide prevention.
ADHD and the Struggle with Suicidal IdeationRoberto Olivardia, PhD, talks about the risk factors in children and adults with ADHD, the warning signs, and preventive measures to help someone who may be considering self-harm or suicide.

ARTICLES

ADHD, Self-Harm, and Suicide (Attention, Summer 2017)High levels of risk-taking and sensation-seeking behaviors mark the critical periods of adolescence and young adulthood. Parents can learn ways to help their child navigate these challenges.
Overcoming Tragedy: A Story of Love, Kindness, and Making a Difference (Attention, October 2023)The loss of a beloved son, who struggled with ADHD and learning difficulties, became the driving force behind a vision to make a positive impact on the lives of children and teenagers facing similar challenges.
ADHD and the Increasing Suicide Rate Among Black Youth (Attention, February 2023)Napoleon Higgins, MD, shares insights about how ADHD may be contributing to the increased number of suicides in Black youth, makes recommendations for educators and healthcare providers about cultural sensitivity, and offers advice for parents of children with ADHD on diagnosis, treatment, and suicide prevention.

Selected News Articles

Find additional resources on ADHD and suicide prevention in the Library Catalog of CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD.

If you need to speak with someone, contact an ADHD Specialist (Hablamos Español) at 1-866-200-8098, M–F, 1–5 pm ET.

If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text TALK to 741741.