Consider these facts about suicide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health and The World Health Organization (WHO):
- It is estimated that each year approximately one million people die from suicide across the world.
- In America, each year 42,773 people commit suicide, accounting for 117 suicides per day.
- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.
- Suicide rates are highest among the middle aged.
- Men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women, while white males accounted for 7 out of 10 suicides in 2014.
- White males are 4 times more likely than females to die by suicide, while females attempt suicide 3 times as often as males.
- Based on 2014 data, approximately 50 percent of all suicides involved firearms, 27 percent involved suffocation (including hangings), and 16 percent involve poison.
- The ratio of suicide attempts to suicide deaths is estimated to be about 25:1 for youths, and 4:1 for the elderly.
For every suicide, there are 25 attempts. Many suicide attempts, however, go unreported or untreated. Some expert survey data suggests that at least one million people in the U.S. each year engage in intentionally inflicted self-harm.
If you or someone you love is showing warning signs of suicide, reach out for help. You can prevent suicide.