Health B

Suicide Fact Sheet Suicide occurs when a person ends their life. It is the 11 th leading cause of death among Americans. But suicide deaths is only part of the problem. More people survive suicide attempts than actually die. They are often seriously injured and need medical care. Most people feel uncomfortable talking about suicide. Often, victims are blamed. Their friends, families, and communities are left devistated.

Suicide Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in Suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons ages 15-24; second among persons ages 25-34; forth among persons ages 35-54; and eighth among persons Among year old, suicide accounts for 20% of deaths annually. There were 38,364 suicides in 2010 in the US—an average of 105 each day. Suicide results in an estimated 34.6 billion in combined medical and wok loss costs.

Suicide Youth Facts In 2011 nationally-representative sample of youth in grades 9-12: % of students reported that they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year % reported having made a plan about how they would attempt suicide in the past year % of students reported that they had attempted suicide in the past year % of students reported that they made an attempt that resulted in injury, poisoning, or an overdose requiring medical attention in the past year.

Why is this a public health problem? More than 34,000 people kill themselves annually. More than 376,000 people with self-inflicted injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year.

How does suicide affect health? Suicide, by definition, is fatal. Those who attempt suicide and survive may have serious injuries like broken bones, brain damage, or organ failure. Also, people who survive often have depression and other mental health problems. Suicide also affects the health of the community. Family and friends of people who commit suicide may feel shock, anger, guilt, and depression. The medical costs and lost wages associated with suicide also take their toll on the community.

Who is at risk for suicide? Suicide affects everyone, but some groups are at higher risk than others. Men are 4x more likely than women to due from suicide. However, 3x as many women report attempting suicide. Several factors can put a person at risk for attempting or committing suicide: previous suicide attempts, history of depression or other mental illness, alcohol or drug use, family history of suicide or violence, physical illness, or feeling alone.

How can we prevent suicide? Learn the warning signs: warning signs can include a change in a person’s mood, diet, or sleeping pattern. Get involved in community efforts: The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention lays out a plan for action.

How does the CDC approach suicide prevention. 4 Step Plan: Step 1: Define the Problem. Before we can prevent suicide, we need to know how big the problem is, where it is, and whom it affects. Step 2: Identify Risk and Protective Factors. It is not enough to know that suicide affects certain people in certain areas. We also need to know why. Step 3: Develop and Test Prevention Strategies: Using info gathered in research, test strategies to prevent suicide. Step 4: Ensure Widespread Adoption: Share the best prevention strategies, provide funding.

Where can I learn more? If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at TALK ( )