He September 10 He commemorated International Suicide Prevention Daya leading date to reflect on this serious problem that affects both the United States and the rest of the world.
The American Psychiatry Association defines it as “the deliberate act to take your life.” In addition, he adds that “suicidal behavior includes suicide (consummated), suicide attempt and suicidal ideation (thoughts and ideas).”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)globally they occur around 720,000 deaths from suicide a year. This is the third cause of death Among young people aged 15 to 29, which is alarming.
In the United States, by 2023, the figures were worrisome:
- 4,083 deaths per month (136 daily).
- 12.8 million people reported having thought about suicide.
- 3.7 million planned to commit suicide.
- 1.5 million tried.
As for the population latinaof the 63.7 million inhabitants in the country:
- 14.6% (9,300,200 people) received mental health treatment.
- 4.6% (2,930,200) had serious suicide thoughts.
- 1.4% (891,800) made concrete suicide plans.
According to North American Community Hub Statisticsuntil 2024 the monthly suicide rates per 100,000 inhabitants were:
- Arizona: 20.57
- Texas: 14.4
- North Carolina: 14.42
- Pennsylvania: 14.2
- Delaware: 11.35
Who are more vulnerable to suicide ideas?
Table of Contents
The American Psychiatric Association Take prevention from three main approaches:
Risk factors
- Previous suicide attempts.
- Family history of suicide.
- Substance consumption.
- Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder).
- Access to lethal media (firearms, unprotected medications).
- Difficult losses or events: rupture of a relationship, death of a loved one, academic failures, legal or financial problems.
- Trauma or abuse history.
- Bullying
- Chronic physical disease, including chronic pain.
- Exposure to other people’s suicide.
- Social isolation.
- Historical trauma.
- Stigma associated with the search for help.
What are the alert signals?
Some signs that must alert us are:
- Speaking or writing frequently about death, suicide or hopelessness.
- Expressions of uselessness, lack of purpose or phrases such as: “It would be better if I weren’t here” o “I want to leave”.
- Increase in alcohol and drug use.
- Isolation of friends, family or community.
- Reckless or risky behaviors without apparent reason.
- Drastic humor changes.
- Comments on feeling trapped or being a burden for others.
What to do if a loved one has suicidal ideas?
- Have support lines of support and specialized centers.
- Constant family and social support.
- Access to timely and effective mental health services.
- Near monitoring of family, friends and health personnel to those who present suicidal ideation.
Help resources
If you or a relative face this type of difficulties, you can access help in:
