Suicide Statistics We'd Like to Change in 2019
Over the past 20 years, suicide rates have been on the rise in every state in the US except Nevada, according to recent findings from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Their research found that the suicide rate increased by more than 30% than half of states from 1999 to 2016. In some states, that increase was as high as 58%.
In 2016, the suicide rate was estimated to be around 13.4 out of 100,000, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Topics such as mental health and suicide are at the forefront of public conversation, which means we are in a better position than ever to make a change. Here are some other trends that we want to see change in 2019:
Every 28 seconds, someone attempts suicide.
“In order to decrease suicide, we have to make space for those recovering from suicide to share their experiences.”
The American Association for Suicidology (AAS) estimates that there were 1.1 million suicide attempts in 2016. That translates to an attempt every 28 seconds. These numbers are difficult to estimate, because of the stigma many survivors face when they are recovering. John Draper, executive director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remarked in a piece for Cosmopolitan in June that, "Few of [the survivors] are being asked—and fewer still are talking—about their struggles through suicidal experiences.” In order to decrease suicide, we have to make space for those recovering from suicide to share their experiences.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 15-24.
Recently suicide became the second leading cause of death for young people. The rate of suicide among young people under the age of 25 was calculated to be approximately 13.2 out of 100,000 in 2016. According the 2015 Youth Risk Behaviors Survey, 8.6% of high schoolers had attempted suicide in the last 12 months. Girls attempted at approximately two times the rate of boys. Statistics among sexuality minority teens were even more concerning. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens were five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
If you’re struggling with suicide, text a trained Crisis Counselor at 741741 or call 911. We need you around.
American Indian and Alaskan Natives are at the highest risk of suicide.
Despite being the smallest ethnic group in the United States, those identifying as American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN) consistently have the highest rates of suicide. Data from the CDC found that 32.8 out of 100,000 AI/AN men and 10.3 out of 100,000 AI/AN women 35.7% of these deaths were under the age of 25. In contrast, 11.1% of youth suicides among white populations (the second-highest suicide rate ethnicity). AI/AN groups are more likely to live in rural areas without regularly available health care. Additionally, social stigma and lack of culturally competent mental health care leaves communities susceptible to higher rates of suicide.
Male Suicide Rates are More Than 3x that of Females
The AAS estimates that for every female death by suicide, there are 3.4 male deaths. In states like Montana, 41.9 out of every 100,000 men died by suicide, in comparison to 9.1 out of every 100,00 women. Additionally, men who die by suicide are more likely to be older-- the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that men above the age of 65 are 1.4x more likely to die by suicide than the total population. Part of this discrepancy may come from preconceived notions of what is “acceptable” male behavior. Men are more likely to face stigma when discussing their mental health, and thus are less likely to seek out support when struggling.
“Men are more likely to face stigma when discussing their mental health, and thus are less likely to seek out support when struggling. ”
People in Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming are almost 2x as likely to die by suicide compared to the national average.
Research by the Kaiser Family Foundation used data collected by the CDC to estimate suicide rates by state. The top 5 states are listed below:
Montana — 26
Alaska — 25.4
Wyoming — 25.2
New Mexico — 22.5
Utah — 21.8
Other states with high suicide rates? Idaho (21.3), Oklahoma (20.9), and South Dakota (20.5). It appears that states with higher suicide rates tend to have more rural areas, and lower probability of reliable access to health care. These factors can lead to increased feelings of isolation, which in turn acts as a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking. We see this in our texters as well-- Montana ranks number one for texts about suicide, with Alaska, Wyoming, and New Mexico all falling in the top 10.
40% of those identifying as transgender have attempted suicide in their lifetime.
It is well documented that LGBTQ+ students are at an increased risk for suicide. However, a 2015 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality estimated the transgender suicide rate to be almost nine times higher than that of the overall population. Our texters identifying as trans are 50% more likely to mention suicide in their conversations with us. Those identifying as transgender often face a unique set of challenges, such as lack of family support, social rejection, and difficulty of access to trans-specific healthcare, that increase their risk of suicide.
If you need to talk with another trans identifying individual, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.
These statistics can seem scary, even overwhelming. But we can all do our part to prevent suicide. Learn how to recognize the warning signs that someone may be at risk for suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you’re worried about if they’re struggling with suicide. Asking doesn’t plant the idea in their head. Rather, it opens up the conversation and decreases the stigma around suicide. In order to decrease the rate of suicide in the US, we must open up the conversation about suicide (and mental health in general) in order to support those who are struggling and those who are in recovery.