Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Did you know that globally more than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year and it is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States? Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a public health response.

Individual Impact:

• 79% 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, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, and 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 suggests 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:

  • U.S. Adults: 4.8%

  • Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%

  • Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%

  • Young adults aged 18-25: 13%

  • High school students: 22%

  • LGBTQ youth: 41%

• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.

• LGBTQ+ youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.

• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Maryland Chapter, focuses on educating our communities about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policy, and offering support for suicide loss survivors. During the month of September, they are holding 11 Out of the Darkness Walks to fight suicide! You can learn more about this Chapter and walks here: https://afsp.org/chapter/maryland.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. You can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

Some great resources are:

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide

• https://afsp.org/

• https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicide

• https://988lifeline.org/

• https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/

• https://www.nami.org/your-journey/kids-teens-and-young-adults/what-you-need-to-know-about-youth-suicide/

• https://www.nami.org/your-journey/family-members-and-caregivers/being-prepared-for-a-crisis/

• https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/common-with-mental-illness/risk-of-suicide/

• https://www.save.org/