Suicide claimed the lives of almost 48,000 people in the United States in 2021*. In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan and 1.7 million attempted suicide. In 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 10–14 and adults aged 35–44, and the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15–24.. The prevalence of mental health conditions among adults has increased 20% from 2008 to 2021. Of individuals aged 12 or older in 2021, 15.5% had a substance use disorder condition. Of those who have a substance use disorder condition, 30% die by suicide.
Individuals can and do recover from mental health and substance use disorder conditions and anything that may be contributing to suicidal thoughts, going on to live happy, vibrant lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988, or chat (988lifeline.org), 24/7 with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support.
Facts
These are only a few of the reasons why it’s important to take part in promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please use these facts to encourage discussions with your community through social media or other forms of outreach.
Individual Impact:
- 80% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.
- Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition – but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.
Community Impact:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Natives followed by non-Hispanic whites.
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
If you have concerns for you or someone you love, Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services are available to help. Please call them at 641-683-6747.
*Data shared is from Centers for Disease Control, National Institute of Mental Health and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
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