Suicide Facts and Background
- 1 million people kill themselves worldwide each year
- An estimated 30,000 people kill themselves in the US each year.
- Suicide is third leading cause of death for people 10-24 years of age in US .
- Highest rates of suicide amongst non-hispanic whites and native americans in US.
- Most suicides happen in the spring in US.
- Women tend to attempt suicide more but men have more completed suicide.
- Depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, eating disorders, and severe anxiety increase risk of suicide with 9/10 people who commit suicide have some kind of mental illness.
- Other lead causes in children and teens is knowing someone who committed suicide, called contagion or cluster formation.
- Absence of mental illness and substance abuse, and presences of strong social support system, decrease likelihood of suicide.
- It is important for adolescents to get consistent care taking, interactive with supportive peers and adults.
- 1 million people kill themselves worldwide each year
- An estimated 30,000 people kill themselves in the US each year.
- Suicide is third leading cause of death for people 10-24 years of age in US .
- Highest rates of suicide amongst non-hispanic whites and native americans in US.
- Most suicides happen in the spring in US.
- Women tend to attempt suicide more but men have more completed suicide.
- Depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, eating disorders, and severe anxiety increase risk of suicide with 9/10 people who commit suicide have some kind of mental illness.
- Other lead causes in children and teens is knowing someone who committed suicide, called contagion or cluster formation.
- Absence of mental illness and substance abuse, and presences of strong social support system, decrease likelihood of suicide.
- It is important for adolescents to get consistent care taking, interactive with supportive peers and adults.
*Watch Terry Wise's story about a suicide attempt survivor*
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Abruptly Declining School Performance
- Fixation on death or violence (a teen may express this through any creative media or an interest in violent objects (like guns) or in films.
- Poor social relationships (including abrupt changes to previously good social lives)
- Violent mood swings or an abrupt change in personality, perhaps a child becoming more introverted than usual.
- Abusive relationships between parents or significant others
- High risk behavior (drugs, unprotected sex, driving recklessly, stealing and vandalism)
- Eating disorders
- Gender and sexual identity difficulties
- Bullying
- Depression
Warning Signs of Suicide that Require IMMEDIATE Attention
- If a person has stated that they have a plan to kill themselves
- Talking or writing about suicide or death
- Saying things like:
- I wish I were dead.
- I’m going to end it all.
- you will be better off without me.
- What’s the point of living?
- Soon you won’t have to worry about me.
- Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?
- Remaining isolated from friends and family
- Expressing a belief that life is meaningless
- Giving away possessions
- Neglecting appearance and hygiene
- Dropping out of school, social, or athletic obligations
- Obtaining a weapon or prescription drugs
