Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death across all ages in the United States and the third leading cause of death for American teenagers. According to a survey the CDC, Americans reported higher levels of anxiety and depression during the months of March and April of this year, most likely due to the stress of coping with the coronavirus pandemic. With teen suicide rates already on the rise, the state of many Americans' mental health is has experts concerned. September is national suicide awareness month - read below to learn more about how to prevent and cope with suicide.
Suicide Facts
Thousands of people attempt or die from suicide every year. Mental disorders such as depression or a substance abuse disorder (usually in combination with a mental disorder) account for 90 percent of suicides. The National Institute of Mental Health has more information on depression at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
Who Is at Risk?
People of all ages can attempt suicide, but some groups are at higher risk than others. Men are four times more likely than women to die from suicide; however, three times more women report attempting suicide. Rates are high among adolescents and people over age 65; however, according to a 2013 report from the CDC, suicide rates among Americans aged 35 to 64 increased 28 percent since 1999.
Veterans are also at risk: A 2013 report by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
Several factors can also contribute to the risk of committing suicide, such as:
Previous suicide attempt(s)
History of depression, an eating disorder or other mental illness
Alcohol or drug abuse
Family history of suicide, violence or abuse
Physical illness
Relational, social, work or financial loss
Feelings of hopelessness
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Feeling alone
Warning Signs
When a person is thinking about suicide, he or she will likely display indications, which may include:
Threats, talk or writing of suicide or hurting oneself
Withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden, excessive and/or uncontrolled rage
Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior
Increased alcohol and/or drug use
Dramatic mood swings
Not all suicides are planned; they may be impulsive after experiencing a traumatic event such as a breakup or unplanned pregnancy. However, in these cases, depression is usually present.
Prevention
If someone you know is threatening suicide, it is important to start a conversation regarding his or her feelings. Most of the time, the person will talk willingly. Make sure to listen and express empathy. Do not leave him or her alone, and if he or she refuses professional help, see that a parent or trusted friend is informed.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, talk about how you are feeling with someone you trust. Do not be ashamed to admit you need help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always staffed and ready to listen at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
Coping with Suicide
According to the American Institute of Suicidology, approximately 5 million Americans have had loved ones commit suicide over the last 25 years. The grief associated with this act can be complex. Guilt and anger may accompany sadness if the person thinks it was possible to have prevented it. It is important to get help from a mental health professional or grief counselor, and some people find it helpful to join a support group or keep a journal.
For help and more information:
American Institute of Suicidology www.suicidology.org
Jason Foundation www.jasonfoundation.com
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/
Department of Veterans Affairs