SUICIDE FACTS AND STATISTICS
The data presented here is based on statistics from 2014. Suicide overall is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14; second leading cause of death for persons 15 to 34 years of age; fourth among people 35 to 44 years old; fifth among persons aged 55 to 64; eighth among people 55 to 64 and seventeenth among people over 65.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there were 41,149 suicides in 2013 in the US for a rate of 12.6 per 100,000 and 113 suicides each day and one suicide every 13 minutes.
Co-occurring events with suicide of note include the following:
- 33.4% of persons who committed suicide tested positive for alcohol
- 23.8% of persons who committed suicide tested positive for anti-depressants
- 20% of persons who committed suicide tested positive for opiates including prescription drugs and street drugs such as heroin.
- 90% of people who committed suicide had a history of depression
Statistics regarding gender are as follows according to the CDC.
- Females are three times more likely to attempt suicide than males
- Males are far more likely to successfully commit suicide as 79% of suicides were men.
- Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death for men and the 14th leading cause of death for women.
- Firearms are the most common method of suicide for males...56.9%
- Poisoning is the most common method of suicide for females... 34.8%
As far as ethnic groups and suicide the following groups have the highest suicide rates: whites, Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
According to NAMI, only half of the people with an episode of major depression seek help but of those that seek help 80% to 90% are successfully treated, usually with both therapy and medications.
Suicide rates for Veterans has also been a growing problem in the US. An estimated 20 Veterans per day committed suicide in 2014. It has been estimated by RAND corporation that 14% of veterans deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, only half of the veterans who experienced PTSD sought help. Another contributing factor to veteran suicide are the number who experience Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) which was estimated at 10% to 20% Other significant issues that appear to contribute to veteran suicides are the high percentage of unemployment, homelessness, addiction and sexual trauma.
Worldwide over 800,000 per year commit suicide according to WHO. Also there is one death by suicide worldwide every 40 seconds; and depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
This section reviews some of the myths about suicide and suicidal ideation.
- People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention --- FALSE --- Most people who commit suicide talk about it prior to acting.
- People who talk about committing suicide don't really try to kill themselves ---FALSE --- People who have talked about committing suicide are far more likely to die by suicide.
- People who commit suicide are crazy --- FALSE --- People who commit suicide are suffering from a neurological disorder and are in pain.
- People will not repeat suicide attempts --- FALSE --- People who have attempted suicide are more likely than others to make another attempt.
- People who attempt suicide are weak --- FALSE --- People who suffer from depression and suicidal impulses exhibit amazing strength each day they fight on.
- Once suicidal, always suicidal --- FALSE --- Not true, however, suicidal thoughts and behavior can recur.
- You should never bring up suicide with someone you think might be suicidal because it might give them ideas --- FALSE --- It is extremely important to ask a person who you think may be considering suicide if that is the case. It will not give them any ideas and may save their life.
- There are never signs a person wanted to commit suicide ---FALSE --- People almost always give signs and clues that they are considering suicide.
- Suicide can only occur with certain people --- FALSE --- Anyone can become suicidal.
- People who are suicidal want to die --- FALSE --- Most people that are suicidal only want to end the pain and suicide at that moment is the only solution they see.
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Below are some of the possible signs or indicators of someone who is contemplating suicide. Keep in mind that everyone is different and these signs are guides. Another indicator of a person contemplating suicide includes a dramatic change in mood, affect or behavior.
- Talking about death or wanting to kill themselves
- Preoccupation with death
- Seeking means to commit suicide such as internet searches,etc.
- Talking about feelings of hopelessness
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol or increased use
- Irregular sleep habits
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Becoming more agitated or angry or displaying rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Loss of interest in things the person previously enjoyed
- Calling and telling people goodbye
- Settling one's affairs
- Giving possessions away
- A sudden calm affect
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE YOU THINK MAY BE SUICIDAL
Don't be afraid to talk to the person about your concerns if you suspect the individual may be contemplating suicide. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Do not ignore the warning signs. Discuss your concerns in a calm and non-judgemental manner. Don't be afraid to ask the person if they are depressed and/or are they contemplating suicide. Try and find out if they have a plan to commit suicide and/or a timeline. Try to determine if the means to commit suicide are readily available (ie: a firearm is available).
If you believe the individual MAY be suicidal after speaking to them, err on the side of caution. Do not leave them alone and call for help. Attempt to reassure the person that help is available and usually successful, which is a true statement. I have personally experienced this extreme depression and suicidal thought and behavior and am still around to talk about it. Even persistent, long-term depression can be managed. It may not be cured but a person in this situation can learn to deal with it.
Do not hesitate to call 911 if you believe the person may be in danger. Personally, if I feel a person may commit suicide if they leave the room, I will tackle them and get help. They may be angry with you but your actions may be the catalyst for them to begin to heal.
SUICIDE AND CRISIS HOTLINES
First and foremost remember 911 if you think someone may commit suicide. Here are some other suicide hotlines to call if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide. Please don't be afraid to use them.
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Text Telephone --- 1-800-799-4TTY
- Military Veterans Suicide Hotline ---1-800-273-TALK (Press 1)
- Suicide Hotline in Spanish ---1-800-273-TALK (Press 2)
- LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline --- 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
- National Youth Crisis Hotline --- 1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
If you know of other hotlines, please include them in the comments section and I will also add them to this list.
REFERENCES
- Center for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov
- Save: http://www.save.org
- Suicide.Org: http://www. suicide.org
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: http://www.nami.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHmhfr2013/NSDUHmhfr2013.pdf
- National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
- American Association of Suicidology: http://www.suicidology.org
- World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/
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