We all have people in our life who have experienced thoughts of suicide or who have been affected by mental health challenges. We can seek help and offer help.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide and that almost 80% of all global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). For every suicide there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation. Suicidal behaviour profoundly impacts families and communities with approximately 135 people affected by each suicide.”
https://www.iasp.info/about/
Some facts and figures:
- 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide (more than HIV, malaria, breast cancer, war, and homicide.)
- Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States.
- Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the 4th leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.
- There were nearly two and a half times as many suicides (47,511) in the United States as there were homicides (19,141).
- “From 2000 to 2016, the suicide rate for white Americans climbed from 11.29 to 15.7. For black Americans, it rose from 5.52 to 6.03 over the same period. What’s more, suicides have increased most sharply in rural communities, where loss of farming and manufacturing jobs has led to economic declines over the past quarter century.”
- Suicide rates are going down in many other countries (attributed to reduced access means of death), while the US continues to rise (especially after 2006).
- Asking directly about suicide doesn’t lead to more suicidal thoughts and may be an effective way of preventing it.
Resources:
- Lifeline Call 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
- In the US, Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
- Crisis Text Line
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- HelpGuide
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- International Association for Suicide Prevention
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Befrienders Worldwide
- Project Semicolon
Recommended reading: Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Prioritizations 