The Numbers
126 people die by suicide
every day.
Frequency
The Signs
Red Flags
- Every 10 minutes, someone in the US dies by suicide.
- In the United States, roughly 126 people die by suicide every day.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for the 15-24 years age group.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Men are 4 times more likely to complete suicide, but women are more likely to attempt suicide.
- For every suicide, there are 25 attempts.
- In the elderly, there are 4 attempts for every suicide.
- Worldwide, there is 1 suicide attempt every 40 seconds.
- Over 90% of people who die by suicide have a treatable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
- Only about half of people with a major depressive episode ever seek treatment.
- In any given year, depression strikes 20-25% of Americans.
- There is an 80-90% success rate for adolescents seeking treatment via therapy and/or medications.
The Signs
Red Flags
- Suddenly elated or happier mood following a stretch of depressed mood. This may indicate that an individual has made the decision to commit suicide
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Isolating oneself from friends and family
- Talking about not being around much longer
- Talking about death or disappearing
- Feelings of worthlessness, despair, or hopelessness
- Seeking out means to commit suicide (hoarding pills, shopping for guns, learning to tie knots, etc.)
- Reckless behavior
- Increased dependency on drugs or alcohol
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Risk Factors
- Personal or family history of attempted or completed suicide
- History of mental illness (9:10 individuals who commit suicide had a treatable mental health condition at the time of their death)
- Recent life stressors, such as a breakup, death of a loved one, or loss of a pet
- Prolonged stressors, such as abuse
- Chronic physical health problems
- Easy access to lethal means
Don't be a statistic.
Be the hope.
All information taken from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention