Suicide

#worldmentalhealthday Let’s talk about suicide.

• It’s the 10th leading cause of death in the US & the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 15-35.

• 44,000 Americans die by suicide each year.

• Older white adults have triple the suicide risk than younger, non-white adults.

• Suicide rates are highest among adults between 45 and 64 at 19.6%. The 2nd highest rate is 19.4% among those 85 or older.

• On average, 1 person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes.

• Each suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.

• About 2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths. Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated is the number 1 cause of suicide.

• Males are four times more likely to do die by suicide, females are three times more likely to attempt suicide.

• Those with substance abuse disorders are six times more likely to complete suicide than those without. The rate of completed suicide among men with alcohol/drug abuse problems is 2-3 times higher than among those without a problem. Women who abuse substances are at 6-9 times higher risk of suicide compared to women who do not have a problem. .
  
  
  Three weeks ago my god mother committed suicide. It has been one of the most emotionally impactful experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve been in an vortex of grief, anger, guilt, frustration, overwhelm, irritability and exhaustion. I’m practicing honoring the emotions and simultaneously savoring the gift of being alive to feel them.
  
  I know that so many people in this intense & painful world are suffering. Please check in on your people, ask how they are, listen to what they say. And reach out for support when you’re struggling, if you’re struggling. Do it for yourself. Model how it’s done for others. We need help to heal. We cannot do it alone.
  
  I am here to if you need someone to talk to. The Suicide prevention hotline (1-800-273-TALK) is also available 24/7 to support those feeling suicidal and those supporting family or friends feeling suicidal. Reach out. Get help. It can be different. 💙