NAMI September Newsletter-Suicide Prevention

Note from NAMI National:

“September is Suicide Prevention Month, when we work to raise awareness about this urgent crisis. Like mental health conditions, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. But suicidal thoughts should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.”

Fast Facts:

Individual Impact

• 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
• Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
• In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:

• 8% of all adults
• 4% Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander
• 2% Mixed/Multiracial
• 5% American Indian/Alaska Native
• 13% of young adults aged 18-25
• 22% of high school students
• 41% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth
• The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic white people.
• Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
• Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to their peers.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.

This Suicide Prevention Month, check in on your loved ones. Knowing the risk factors and warning signs can assist you in finding help for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. You can learn more about this here.

With gratitude,

The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team

Melinda