From Data to Action: Using Public Insights to Inform Suicide Prevention Strategies and Mental Health Support

Abstract: The Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll has helped the field to understand the public’s beliefs and attitudes about mental health and suicide, with baseline research conducted in 2018. This bi-annual survey measures what the public knows about how to support someone who is struggling and their perceptions of barriers to helping someone at risk for suicide. The poll also helps reveal the public’s awareness and usage of, expectations about, and barriers to using crisis services (including 988).

In 2024, the Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll surveyed more than twice as many U.S. adults 18+ (over 4,000) as previous waves to analyze the total sample in greater detail. Finally, new questions this year focused on the public’s perception of an employer’s role in mental health, trusted people respondents would turn to, and the barriers to individuals reaching out to crisis services. While progress has been made when it comes to helpful perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs around these issues, more work is essential.

Key findings that will be discussed include:
-Barriers to help-seeking
-Growing familiarity and public awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, two years into launch.
-Perceived importance/comparison of mental health and physical health, versus treatment within healthcare.
-Public support for suicide prevention and the need for increased education and resources.

By the end of this presentation, participants should be able to summarize how data shapes suicide prevention strategies and discuss how public perceptions can influence the development of mental health policies and programs, including those that support crisis services like 988. They will also gain insights into applying these findings to address barriers in their own work, with the goal of improving access to care, reducing negative cultural beliefs (stigma), and enhancing the impact of suicide prevention efforts nationwide.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) at EDC from July 15 - 29, 2024 among 4,394 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.