Suicide Statistics at a Glance
Suicide can be seen as a very final solution to a temporary problem. The difficulty in coping with depression and suicidal thinking is that it's hopelessness can have such a firm grip on a person it may be difficult to overcome.While many people don't take steps to attempt suicide, thoughts of suicide are more common than one might think. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's statistics published in 2010:
8.3 million U.S. adults reported having suicidal thoughts in 2008-2009
2.2 million adults reported having made plans in that year
A staggering 1 million adults reported a suicide attempt that year
Youth also struggle with thoughts of suicide:
15.8% of youths reported seriously considering suicide in the previous 12 months (published in 2011)
7.8% reported they had attempted suicide one or more times in the previous year
And 2.4% of those high schoolers reported an attempt that required medical attention
Given the prevalence of suicidal thinking in our society, it is imperative that everyone educates themselves on the warnings signs of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Below are some resources that you may find useful:
Suicide Warning Signs (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
The Warning Signs (The Trevor Project)
Suicide Prevention (HelpGuide.org)
Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)