17 Facts and Statistics About Suicide

Education about suicide is one of the most important steps in preventing it. In two previous articles, I have covered both, warning signs and ways to help someone contemplating suicide. This article is written to educate you on suicide facts.

Fact number one: Many articles discuss the link between suicide and winter months. Studies have shown that most suicides actually occur during the spring. There are actually fewer suicides committed in the winter months.

Fact number two: In the United States, there are more instances of suicide in the western states than in eastern states.

Fact number three: Suicide is ranked number 8 in the leading cause of death of American males.

Fact number four:When a male attempts suicide, they are at least four times as likely to succeed as females.

Fact number five: The highest number of suicides committed are by whites, followed closely by American Indian and Native Alaskan men.

Fact number six: Around 60% of men who commit suicide use a firearm.

Fact number seven: Women attempt suicide as much as three times more often than men.

Fact number eight: Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents ages 15 through 24.

Fact number nine: From six to ten thousand elderly people commit suicide each year. Most use a firearm.

Fact Number ten: Nearly six people out of every 100,000 will attempt suicide with a firearm.

Fact number eleven: Florida has the highest number of suicide death over all, followed closely by Texas.

Fact number twelve: Rhode Island and North Dakota have the lowest number of suicide deaths.

Fact number thirteen: Hanging accounts for about 1/5 of all suicides.

Fact number fourteen: Suicide is ranked number 11 in the leading cause of death of Americans.

Fact number fifteen: There are nearly one million suicide attempts in the United States each year.

Fact number sixteen: A suicide occurs approximately every 17 minutes in the United States.

Fact number seventeen: Black females have the lowest suicide rate among any other group.

These are just a few facts and statistics about suicide. It is important that if you suspect that someone is considering suicide that you get help immediately. A national hotline number has been established for professional help. 1-800-SUICIDE answers calls to come to the aide of someone in a crisis situation. Suicide.org is an excellent website to read statistics, find warning signs and obtain general information about this sad epidemic. The founder, Kevin Caruso, has been working with suicidal individuals for over 20 years and has compiled pertinent information regarding the prevention and detection of suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help immediately. Never leave someone who is thinking of killing himself or herself alone.