Kirk Watson: “there are approximately 30,000 suicide deaths every year in the U.S. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death…”

“there are approximately 30,000 suicide deaths every year in the U.S. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death nationwide, and is the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24, following unintentional injuries and homicide. Statistics of completed suicide only tell part of the story. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that research indicates that there are an estimated 8-25 attempted suicides to one completion; the ratio is higher in women and youth. Adolescent males are 4 times more likely to actually commit suicide than females. Adolescent females are twice as likely as adolescent males to attempt suicide. Since peaking in the early 1990's, overall adolescent suicide rates have dropped. However, most of this is attributed to a drop in male adolescent suicide. Rates for females have remained constant. Fifty-three percent of young people who commit suicide abuse substances. Most people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness, but are not receiving treatment. Children who are exposed to violence, experience a loss in the family, experience parental divorce, or have academic problems are at a heightened risk for mental health problems and suicide. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates that 1 in 5 children will experience a serious mental health problem during their school years. Seventy percent of these children will not receive mental health services, putting them at an even higher risk of suicide.”