Confronting the suicide epidemic and its costs
Suicide is a growing yet preventable public health crisis. It is currently the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals aged 20-34 in the United States.
In 2023, over 49,000 Americans died by suicide. That’s one death approximately every 11 minutes.
Over 12.8 million people seriously thought about suicide in 2023.
Compared to 2022, suicide rates in 2023 decreased among individuals aged 15-24 (0.66% decrease), 25-34 (2.5% decrease), 45-54 (1.8% decrease), and 65+ (6.8% decrease).
The suicide rate for females 75 and older increased by 10.9% from 2022 to 2023.
According to the most recent Youth Risk Behaviors Survey (2023), 9% of youth in grades 9-12 attempted suicide at least once in the past 12 months.
High-Risk Groups
- Men take their own lives at nearly 4 times the rate of women. Men often struggle silently due to stigma, but there are three female attempts for each male attempt.
- Middle-aged adults have the highest suicide rate nationally. Financial stress and untreated mental health issues play a role.
- LGBTQ youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost 3 times the rate of heterosexual youth due to rejection and discrimination.
- Over 1 million adults attempt suicide each year. Many have multiple attempts but lack follow-up care. The number of people who have seriously thought about suicide surpasses 12 million.
Method & Impact
- In 2023, firearms accounted for over half of suicide deaths. Access to lethal means is a significant risk factor for suicide and suicide attempts.
- For each death by suicide, there are approximately 25-30 previous attempts.
- Suicide costs the United States over $69 billion annually in lifetime medical and work-loss costs.
- Evidence shows that prevention resources reduce suicide rates and save lives. Each $1 spent saves $2.50 in costs.
Important Warning Signs & Risk Factors
It's vital to know the warning signs and risk factors that could indicate that someone may be considering suicide.
Get the resources you need.
Learn more about suicide prevention and postvention.
The Takeaway
With education, advocacy, and community support, we can prevent suicide and save lives. The Half a Sorrow Foundation provides critical resources through speaking engagements, training programs, and advocacy initiatives. By working together, we can foster hope and end stigma.
Suicide prevention starts with you.
If these statistics open your eyes to the tragic realities of suicide, take the first step by contacting Half a Sorrow. Our founder, Dennis Gillan, turned his own loss into purpose by empowering individuals, organizations, and communities through compassionate outreach and life-saving education.
We offer speaking engagements, training programs, and resources tailored to your needs. Dennis' story of perseverance spreads hope and helps end stigma so fewer have to suffer alone.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can make a difference. By working together, we have the power to create meaningful change in the suicide epidemic. Hope starts here.