Suicide statistics in the U.S.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages. (CDC)
• Everyday, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. (CDC)
• There is one death by suicide in the U.S. every 12 minutes. (CDC)
• Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year. (CDC)
• Suicide takes the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year. (CDC)
• Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. (NAMI)
• 80%-90% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and or medication. (TADS study)
• An estimated quarter million people each year become suicide survivors. (AAS)
Resource:
https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2017:
- Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,000 people.
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
- There were more than twice as many suicides (47,173) in the United States as there were homicides (19,510).
Resource:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml
No suicide attempt should be dismissed or taken lightly.
Why do people attempt suicide?
“A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. The most common underlying disorder is depression, 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.”
Resource:
https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/suicide
Do you know what to do if you think that someone is considering suicide?
If You Think Someone Is Considering Suicide:
• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble.
• Talk with the person about your concerns. Communication needs to include LISTENING.
* Listen to understand. *
You don’t have to know all of the answers or even some of the answers, just being with a person can be powerful.
• Ask direct questions without being judgmental. Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.
• Get professional help, even if the person resists.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Do not swear to secrecy.
• Do not act shocked or judgmental.
• Do not counsel the person yourself.
Resource:
https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/suicide
List of national emergency resources for suicide prevention, substance abuse disaster distress, domestic violence, child abuse, adult and elderly abuse
Finish Stronger Counseling – Emergency Contacts and Lifelines
* Please note that this list may be subject to change as organizations, companies, and government update their websites and other information. *
Check out these charities and articles to find out how you can help
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Very Well Mind – Leading Mental Health Charities and Organizations
The Recovery Village – Mental Health First Aid for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
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