Introduction
Suicide is a global public health issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. It is a complex phenomenon with numerous contributing factors, and its impact is far-reaching. In recent years, suicide rates have been on the rise, and it is essential that we understand the facts and figures surrounding this issue. In this blog post, we will be using the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to compile a comprehensive list of suicide facts. By shedding light on this often-stigmatized topic, we hope to increase awareness and encourage open conversations about suicide prevention.
General Statistics (USA)
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. (CDC)
- Every day, approximately 130 Americans die by suicide. (CDC)
- There is one death by suicide in the US every 11 minutes. (CDC)
- Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ each year. (CDC)
- Suicide takes the lives of over 48,500 Americans every year. (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)
- 80% -90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. (TADS study)
- An estimated 285,000 each year become suicide survivors (AAS).
- There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts. (CDC)
- There is one suicide for every estimated 4 suicide attempts in the elderly. (CDC)
Global Statistics
For more information on suicide stats by region and country visit the World Health Statistics Data Visualizations Dashboard.
- Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24 years.
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Gender Disparities
- Suicide among males is 4x’s higher than among females. Male deaths represent 79% of all US suicides. (CDC)
- Firearms are the most used method of suicide among males (51%). (CDC)
- Females are more likely than males to have had suicidal thoughts. (CDC)
- Females experience depression at roughly 2x’s the rate of men. (SMH)
- Females attempt suicide 3x as often as males. (CDC)
- Poisoning is the most common method of suicide for females. (CDC)
Age Disparities
- 1 in 100,000 children ages 10 to 14 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
- 7 in 100,000 youth ages 15 to 19 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
- 7 in 100,000 young adults ages 20-24 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
- The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, suicidal planning and suicide attempts is significantly higher among adults aged 18-29 than among adults aged 30+. (CDC)
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-old Americans. (CDC)
- Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for adults ages 18-65. (CDC)
- The highest increase in suicide is in males 50+ (30 per 100,000). (CDC)
- Suicide rates for females are highest among those aged 45-54 (9 per 100,000). (CDC)
- Suicide rates for males are highest among those aged 75+ (36 per 100,000). (CDC)
- Suicide rates among the elderly are highest for those who are divorced or widowed. (SMH)
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual kids are 3x more likely than straight kids to attempt suicide at some point in their lives.
- Medically serious attempts at suicide are 4x more likely among LGBTQ youth than other young people.
- African American, Latino, Native American, and Asian American people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual attempt suicide at especially high rates.
- 41% of trans adults said they had attempted suicide, in one study. The same study found that 61% of trans people who were victims of physical assault had attempted suicide.
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people who come from families that reject or do not accept them are over 8x more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families accept them.
- Each time an LGBTQ person is a victim of physical or verbal harassment or abuse, they become 2.5x more likely to hurt themselves.
Getting Help
It is crucial for individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues to seek help from qualified professionals. Therapy and counselling can provide individuals with the tools and support they need to manage their mental health and reduce their risk of suicide. With the rise of online telehealth, access to mental health care has become more convenient and accessible, particularly for those who live in remote areas or have mobility issues. Online therapy platforms offer a range of mental health services, including individual and group therapy sessions, as well as access to licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. By seeking help through therapy and online telehealth, individuals can take the first step in managing their mental health and reducing their risk of suicide.
Conclusion
Suicide is a complex issue with many contributing factors. It is a global public health concern that affects individuals and communities worldwide. The statistics surrounding suicide are sobering, and it is essential that we continue to shed light on this often-stigmatized topic to increase awareness and encourage open conversations about suicide prevention.
The data shows that suicide rates are on the rise, particularly among certain groups such as males, the elderly, and LGBTQ individuals. Depression is a significant contributing factor to suicide, and it is essential that we prioritize mental health and encourage individuals to seek treatment. Suicide prevention is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including access to mental health services, reducing access to lethal means, and addressing the social and cultural factors that contribute to suicide risk.
By understanding the facts and figures surrounding suicide, we can better understand the magnitude of the issue and work together to prevent it. We must continue to break the stigma surrounding suicide and prioritize mental health as a critical component of overall well-being.
