Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. I wanted to write something deep or touching, something related to how this is a cause that is near and dear to me, but sometimes the statistics, the facts, speak for themselves:
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US
- Each year 44,965 Americans die by suicide
- For every suicide, there are 25 attempts
- Men die by suicide 3.53 times more often than women
- On average, there are 123 suicides per day
- Firearms account for 51% of all suicides in 2016
- The rate of suicide is highest in middle age — white men in particular
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling helpless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
We can all help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide Lifeline (USA) at 800-273-8255 or text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.
For more information, visit the following websites:
- https://save.org/
- https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #Suicide #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #WeAreInThisTogether #EveryLifeMatters
