According to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates for adults in the United States are on the rise. Since 1999, suicide rates in 25 states increased by more than 30%. In 2006 in the USA, suicide was accounted for nearly 45,000 deaths approximately.
Here are 5 more quick facts related to suicide in the USA:
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. (CDC)
- Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. (CDC)
- There is 1 death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes. (CDC)
- The highest suicide rates in the US are among Whites, American Indians and Alaska Natives.
- Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. (NAMI)
While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. However, learning them can save lives. According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, here are the risk factors and some warning signs:
Risk Factors:
- Health - mental health conditions, serious physical health conditions like chronic pain, traumatic brain injury
- Environmental - easy access to firearms & drugs, stressful life events, exposure to another person's suicide
- Historical - previous suicide attempts, childhood abuse, family history of suicide
Warning Signs:
- Talk - killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, unbearable pain
- Behavior - increased use of alcohol & drugs, isolating from family & friends, sleeping too much or too little
- Mood - depression, anxiety, agitation/anger, humiliation/ shame, relief/ sudden improvement
According to studies, a person who dies by suicide leaves behind an estimated 6 or more “suicide survivors” or those people who’ve lost someone and are left grieving and struggling to understand why their loved ones end their lives.
This September, let us educate and hold on to each other in order to prevent suicide among our friends and family. Please go to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of AFSP's website to gain more access to resources about suicide prevention.
