About World Suicide Day

Introduction

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. There were more suicides than homicides in 2019. Unfortunately, suicide is still such a misunderstood and stigmatized topic, and it’s not talked about. Although it affects so many people, whether they themselves, or a friend, family member, or other loved ones.

Today, on world suicide day (September 10), we encourage you to educate yourself about suicide, and raise the voices of survivors.

Statistics

Males had 3.7 times higher suicide rate in 2019 compared to females

In 2019, 4.8% of adults reported that they had had thoughts about suicide

1.3 million suicide attempts in 2019

Resources

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis textline- 741741

Myths

People who attempted suicide are doing it for attention (fact, oftentimes attention is the last thing they want)

Suicide affects a specific group of people (fact, suicide affects people of all different genders, ages, and races)

Talking about your struggles means you weak (fact, it is very hard to to talk about something as stigmatized as suicide)

Everyone who attempts suicide has depression (fact, you don’t have to have depression to contemplate or attempt suicide)

There are obvious signs of suicide (fact, while there may be some signs, many people will try to hide their feelings and plans and pretend that they are fine. There might not be any signs)

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Sources

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/