One Person Dies From Suicide Every 40 Seconds; Call 1-800-273-8255 If You Are In Need

A recent report from the World Health Organization revealed that “one person dies every 40 seconds” from suicide. In 2017 alone, 47,173 Americans died from suicide while “there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts.” A 2018 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that from 1999–2016, “suicide rates increased significantly in 44 states, with 25 states experiencing increases” greater than 30%. While mental health conditions are one of the contributing factors to suicide, 54% of those who died from suicide “in 2015 did not have a known mental health condition.” Among the increase in suicide deaths, “data indicates that the rate of suicide among [rural] counties was consistently higher compared to” urban areas. The research “suggests rural populations face persistent and widening increases in suicide” compared to urban populations. Although suicide rates have increased in America, between 2010 and 2016, the global “suicide rate decreased by 9.8% .” September was Suicide Awareness Month, and although it may be over, it is important to promote awareness of these numbers and outreach to those in need.