Suicide Rates

By: Pari Patel

Editor: Breanna Naysmith

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Although suicide rates in some populations in the United States have increased, overall suicide in the United States has decreased by 3%. According to the 2019-2020 information shared by the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), suicide among men decreased by 2%, while suicide in women dropped 8%. These statistics seem good, but when separated by ethnic groups, the numbers are much different. For example, suicide for Hispanic men increased by 5%.

Although numbers seem to be decreasing, there’s still more work to be done until we can truly say we have made a difference in society. Since teens´ mental health has gotten worse in the past 2 years, it should be brought to attention. It has been partially brought to people´s attention, but more awareness toward the matter could help suicide become less common in the United States. What can we, as students, do to help?

Some basic ways to help would be as easy as checking up on your friends and family. Ask how their day was. Ask them if everything is okay once in a while. Small things like this can make all the difference in suicide prevention. Another would be calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call 800-273-8255 to receive help and advice. There’s always hope for everyone.