Awareness News

Suicide Rates at Thirty Year High in U.S.

Several high-profile cases of suicide in the past week have led to a push for more conversation and awareness surrounding suicides. Suicide rates are at a 30-year high in the United States and is the tenth leading cause of death in the country. 54% of suicide deaths are not related to mental health issues. 

A suicidal act is defined as attempted violence directed against one’s own person. 

Risk factors include:

  • previous suicide attempts
  • family history of suicide
  • depression or other mental health issues
  • problems with alcohol and other drugs
  • being between that ages of 15-24 or over age 60
  • having a medical illness

Warning signs include:

  • thinking about harming/killing one’s self
  • having a plan to harm or kill one’s self
  • feeling empty of hopeless
  • feeling unbearable pain from either a medical of mental health issue
  • increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • being withdrawn

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, seek help as soon as possible. 

Call the suicide prevention help line 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call your health care provider or get to an emergency department. 

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