Suicide Awareness

Statistics paint a picture, they make something that seems distant hit a little closer to home.

I have gathered some statistics about suicide from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health America to help bring awareness and understanding that suicide is something that knows no boundaries, it can weave its way into the lives of every person, family, workplace, community, church, softball team, theater group, school, home...

These statistics are specific to America:

• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
• 44,965 Americans die by suicide every year
• for each suicide there are 25 attempts
• 40% of persons who complete suicide have made a previous attempt. 
• Nine of out ten people who attempt suicide and survive, do not go on to complete suicide at a later date.  
• Suicide rates are highest among adults between 45 and 64 at 19.6 percent. The second highest rate is 19.4 among those 85 years or older. Compared with middle-aged older adults, younger populations have consistently lower suicide rates. While males are four times more likely to do die by suicide, females are three times more likely to attempt suicide.  [11]
• Those with substance abuse disorders are six times more likely to complete suicide than those without. The rate of completed suicide among men with alcohol/drug abuse problems is 2-3 times higher than among those without a problem. Women who abuse substances are at 6-9 times higher risk of suicide compared to women who do not have a problem. 

Globally the World Health Organization reports:

Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Many more attempt suicide. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally.

Suicide is a global phenomenon; in fact, 79% of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2016. Suicide accounted for 1.4% of all deaths worldwide, making it the 18th leading cause of death in 2016. Effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts.
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There are indications that for each adult who died of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide.

Did you know 8 out of 10 people considering suicide give some type of sign, indicating their intention?

Suicidal Warning Signs

• no interest in future plans
• depression
• personality changes
• verbal suicide threats "maybe I won't be around" "you'd be better off without me"
• Increased risk taking behaviors
• feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• talking about being a burden to others

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please call for help, talk to a friend, seek out counseling, say something...

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Sources: SAVE (suicide awareness voices of education) , Mental Health America , American Foundation for Suicide Prevention