To put the societal impact of suicide into a better perspective, I researched some facts about suicide.  I have listed some of what I found here.  I have to admit, I was surprised by some of what I discovered.  My hope is, after you read what is here, you will understand the importance of eliminating the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and suicide.  I believe one of the keys to reducing the suicide rate is to change people’s attitudes and thinking about these issues.

• Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming about 30,000 lives each year.
• 90% of the people who commit suicide have depression or some other treatable mental disorder.
• Each day, 14 young people (ages between 15-24) commit suicide.  That is about 1 every 100 minutes.
• Suicide attempts are among the leading causes of hospitalization for people under 35.
• Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women, however, women attempt to commit suicide twice as often as men do.
• The highest suicide rates can be found in men over the age of 85.
• There are about twice as many deaths by suicide than HIV/AIDS.
• Suicide rates in the US are highest in the Spring.
• 15% of the people diagnosed with Clinical Depression commit suicide.  80% of the people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.
• The strongest risk factor for suicide is depression.
• SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE

If you or a loved one is in imminent danger of committing suicide call 911 immediately.

National Suicide Hotlines, USA

Unites States of America

1-800-SUICIDE–1-800-784-2433                           1-800-273-TALK–1-800-273-8255

1-800-799-4TTY–1-800-799-4889  (Deaf Hotline)