Suicide is a big issue for public health in America especially with the trend of rising suicide rates in recent years. In fact, it is one of the top ten causes of death in America for the age group 17-64 (CDC). Suicide is a prevalent problem in our society and around 123 Americans die from suicide every day and approximately 44,965 die from it every year. Additionally, there are about twice as many suicides each year than homicides. Suicide rates also vary over different racial and gender backgrounds. For example, men are more likely to take their own lives then women are, and white males made up around 70% of suicides in 2016 (AFSP). Suicide rates also vary among different age groups. In a 2016 study, the highest rates of suicide were found between people aged 45-54 years old with a rate of 19.72% followed by ages 85 and up with a rate of 18.98%. Young people have a lower suicide rate of 13.5% but suicide is still the second leading cause of death. The following graph from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention shows the progress of the rates of suicide in different age groups from 2000 to 2016. Although no accurate rate of attempted suicide can be counted, it is estimated that 1.3 million adults attempted suicide in 2016. With regards to 13 Reasons Why, internet searches involving suicide rose by 19% after its release (National Post). This statistic shows that the release of the show opened up the conversation on suicide. The following graph depicts the increase in suicide related searches after the release of 13 Reasons Why. Since suicide is such a prevalent issue in our society, there are many resources that can help prevent it.
The National Suicide Prevention Line: 1 800-273-8255 The National Suicide Prevention Line was created as a 24/7 hotline for people to call when they are having suicidal thoughts. They also provide many services that target specific groups that are prone to suicide like the youth, disaster survivors, Native Americans, veterans, LGBTQ members, and the deaf. Additionally, they have support for suicide loss survivors and people that have previously attempted suicide. The American Society for Suicide Prevention AFSP is an organization that provides support to people that are contemplating suicide. They also educate the public on suicide in order to prevent it. Their website has many informational guides to help people that suffer from mental illnesses including depression and anxiety. They also take donations to fund the research of suicide as well as advocate for suicide survivors to the government. Their mission statement is to “save lives and provide hope to people affected by suicide” which they do through their many educational programs. They approach suicide prevention by keeping an open discussion on the issue and by providing resources to people suffering from its effects. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts or tendencies please seek help by calling the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255
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