Statistics

According to the National Center for Health Statistics most recent data available:

• Nation 44, 965 in 2016 9/day
• Rates highest in white males but seen in all racial/ethnic groups
• 10th ranking cause of death in U.S.— 2nd for young
• Average of 1 person every 11.7 minutes killed themselves
• Average of 1 older adult every 1 hour and 4 minutes killed themselves
• Average of 1 young person every 1 hour and 32 minutes killed themselves. (If the 443 suicides below age 15 are included, 1 young person every 1 hour and 25 minutes)
• 4:1 male to female for fatal suicide attempts
• Non fatal attempts
  • In 2016, 1,124,125 annual attempts in U.S
  • Translates to one attempt every 28 seconds
  • 25 attempts for every death by suicide
  • 3:1 female to male for non fatal suicide attempts

Reasons People Commit Suicide

• They’re depressed. most common reason people commit suicide.
• They’re psychotic. Malevolent inner voices often command self-destruction for unintelligible reasons.
• They’re impulsive. May be related to drugs and alcohol or mental illness like mania.
• They’re crying out for help, and don’t know how else to get it.
• They have a philosophical desire to die. Terminal illness or chronic debilitating condition.
• They’ve made a mistake. Sexual or reckless play.

What You Can Do

• TAKE MENTAL HEALTH SERIOUSLY:
  • Someone talking about harming themselves or withdrawing is not overreacting.
• Get help for you or a loved one 1800 273 TALK.
• Know the warning signs.
• Keep firearms safely away from children and anyone exhibiting warning signs (guns are not the only tool of suicide but they are associated with higher suicide rates when other factors are accounted for).

Warning Signs of Acute Risk

• Talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself.
• Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or, talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary.
• Increased substance(alcohol or drug) use.
• Mention of no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life.
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time.
• Feeling trapped– like there’s no way out.
• Hopelessness.
• Withdrawal from friends, family and society.
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
• Dramatic mood changes.

Resources

1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral.

Arizona

https://www.suicidology.org/

http://www.suicidology.org/Resources/Crisis-Centers