Some facts about suicide
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| Suicide Statistical Map from the Stewardship Report |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following facts about suicide:
- More than 36,000 Americans take their own lives each year
- Additionally, 465,000 people receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries each year
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans
- In 2010, 38,364 Americans committed suicide
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) adds more facts, among which are:
- There are more suicides each year than homicides, from 2008-2010 the number of suicides has been more than twice that of homicides
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25- to 34-year olds and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.
- The rate of suicide for 45- to 54-year olds is the highest of any age group
Risk and protective factors
The major risk factors for suicide include prior suicide attempt(s), mood disorders, substance abuse and access to lethal means. The major protective factors include effective mental health care, connectedness and problem-solving skills. Here is a useful resource document provided by SPRC.
FoxCT interviews Dr. Harold Schwartz of Hartford Hospital
This is National Suicide Prevention Week and today FoxCT interviewed Harold Schwartz, M.D. of Hartford Hospital about National Suicide Prevention Week and what family members and friends should know about suicide risk factors.
World Suicide Prevention Day, National Suicide Prevention Week, and Suicide Prevention Month
Tuesday, September 10, 2013, was the 11th Annual World Suicide Prevention Day which is spearheaded by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organization. Suicide is a worldwide problem with more than 1 million suicides each year.
This week, September 8 14, 2013, is the 39th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology.
September is also National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and you can learn more about prevention resources on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline site.
