Global Statistics and Practical Tips
1Millions of individuals around the world are impacted by the major public health problem of suicide. Suicide is the second largest cause of death worldwide among those aged 15 to 29 and accounts for over 700,000 fatalities annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there are ways to support those who are at risk and prevent suicide. In this blog, we’ll look at suicide statistics and offer helpful suicide prevention advice.
Understanding the Statistics.
People of all ages, genders, and races are affected by suicide. Here are some significant global statistics:
With approximately 48,000 suicide deaths in 2019 (CDC), suicide is the tenth greatest cause of death in the US.
According to the ONS, there were more than 6,800 suicide deaths in the UK in 2018.
With over 3,000 suicide deaths in 2019 (ABS), suicide is the biggest cause of death in Australia for those ages 15 to 44.
Suicide is a serious public health issue in India, where over 230,000 persons died by suicide in 2016 (WHO).
These data only represent a small portion of the issue; suicide also occurs in many other nations around the world. Suicide has an effect on people’s family, friends, and communities in addition to those who take their lives..https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Recognizing the Warning Signs.
Recognizing the warning signs is the first step in preventing suicide. Despite the fact that not everyone who is suicidal may exhibit warning signals, it is nevertheless crucial to be aware of them. Common red flags include:
Talking about wanting to die or taking their lives.
Having no reason to live or feeling hopeless.
Withdrawal from family and friends.
The practice of dangerous or careless action
or experiencing excruciating discomfort.
Transferring treasured possessions.
Saying goodbye to loved ones.
It’s crucial to act if you or someone you know exhibits these warning symptoms.https://www.samaritans.org/
Taking Action: Suicide Prevention Tips.
Final Thoughts.
It is everyone’s duty to prevent suicide. Here are some pointers for getting things done:
Start the Discussion:
It’s crucial to start a dialogue with someone about your concerns if you have any. It can be challenging to have this talk, but it’s preferable to do so than to just pretend everything is well. Start out by stating something like, “I’ve noticed that you seem particularly depressed lately. Is everything all right?”
Observe without judging:
It’s vital to listen kindly when someone shares their feelings with you. You don’t have to know all the answers, but you can show that you care by lending a sympathetic ear.
Promote Expert Assistance:
Encourage the individual to speak with a therapist or counselor if they need professional assistance. You can offer to go with them to their first visit or assist them in finding local resources.
Discard Means:
It’s critical to get rid of any tools that a loved one might use to kill themselves if they are immediately in danger of suicide. This can entail taking away firearms or other weapons, locking up prescriptions, or taking away anything else that could be used to hurt oneself.
Self-Help is Key:
Seek help for yourself if you’re having trouble coping with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You can seek help from a therapist, support group, or a trusted friend or family member..https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Suicide is a problem that can be stopped, but doing so involves everyone. We can assist folks who are at risk of suicide in receiving the aid they require by identifying the warning signals, starting the dialogue, and taking action.https://www.iasp.info/