Facts About Suicide in the US
- The annual age-adjusted suicide rate is 13.42 per 100,000individuals.
- Men die by suicide 3.53x more often than women.
- On average, there are 123 suicides per day.
- White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2016.
- Firearms account for 51% of all suicides in 2016.
The rate of suicide is highest in middle age — white men in the particular.-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Four out of Five teens who attempt suicide have been given clear warning signs – The Parent Resource Program.
Questions About Suicide
Q: What are some of the risk factors for suicide?
A: Risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may change over time. Some factors that increase an individual’s risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors are:
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
- Chronic pain
- Prior suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Firearms in the home
- Having recently been released from jail or prison
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as family members or peers
It is also important to note that many people who have these risk factors are not suicidal.
Q: What are the warning signs?
A: The following are some of the signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be the reason for concern:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill oneself
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online
- Buying a gun, or stockpiling pills
- Feeling empty, hopeless, or feeling like there is no reason to live
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing from family or friends or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Saying goodbye to loved ones, putting affairs in order.
Seeking help is a sign of strength; if you are concerned, go with your instincts and seek professional help.
Reaching out to a friend you are concerned about is also a sign of strength.
What can I do for myself or someone else? A: Immediate action is very important. Here are a few resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), confidential help 24-hours-a-day. You also can visit Lifeline’s website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
- Crisis Text Line: text START to 741-741
- Help for Mental Illnesses: National Institute of Mental Health web page www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp
- Treatment Referral Routing Service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Q: What if someone seems suicidal on social media? A: Many social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and Google+, have ways to report suicidal content and get help from the content creator. Each social media site has a different procedure, so search the site’s help page for assistance.
-NIMH
