Brand New AI initiative to prevent suicide before it happens. Florida State University researchers have developed new technology that evaluates patients’ health records for risk factors and previous suicide attempts to predict up to 2 years before and with 80% accuracy. Risk factors can predict with 92% accuracy a week before a suicide attempt. In a population, it’s possible to study clinical trials with AI for an individual risk tailored by factors including mood logs, sleep patterns, activity levels, and digital usage. language used in chats, social media posts, or even voice tone and pace can give useful signs. Physiological and health data gives information as well such as heart rate, medical history of diagnoses like depression, or substance use. Social interactions life events, and location all matter in predicting fatality. From 1999 to 2014 suicide rates have increased 24% according to the national center of health statistics. Approximately 700,000 people a year pass away from suicide. It’s a pressing issue that not only effects the person but also the people around them. AI can benefit healthcare, and implementation into hospitals can help save thousands of lives.

Methods of support can be chatbots, that can talk to you and give cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage and reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Offering coping strategies, breathing exercises, and providing availability 24 hours a day, 360 days a year. The AI technology was never meant to replace human help but as a bridge towards better help. Opening up to real people can be difficult, instead some people may find it easier to express themselves to AI.

If you need help or support, the suicide prevention hotline is 988, free to call or text 24/7/365. You’re not alone.