Reports of suicide in teens have increased almost 200% since the 1960s, compared to a 17% increase in the general population.
It is a Fact
Did you know?
- 80% of people who die by suicide have talked about it or given definite warning signs.
- 90% of teenagers who die by suicide suffer from a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in high school and college students.
- Youth suicide rates are higher in rural areas than in urban.
- Male youths are four times more likely than females to complete suicides.
- Female youths are twice as likely as males to attempt suicide.
- The presence of a loaded gun in the home is the single most powerful risk factor. In fact, more than 60% of all suicides are completed with a firearm—a method that has steadily increased over time.
- A recent survey of high school students found that more than 20% had seriously considered suicide within a one-year period. Another 23% had made plans to attempt suicide or actually made a suicide attempt during the year preceding the survey.
- Ninth graders are twice as likely to attempt suicide as 12th graders.
- Compared to non-abused youth, youth who have been physically or sexually abused are more than twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts and plans, more than three times as likely to report a suicide plan, and more than 10 times as likely to report an injurious suicide attempt.
- Reasons given for considering or attempting suicide include: feeling overwhelmed, inadequate or depressed; using alcohol and drugs to deal with emotions; sexual abuse; and experiencing serious family fights.