Broadlawns Medical Center Suicide and Suicide Prevention Dr. Kindra Perry, PsyD, LP, PMH-C S eptember is national suicide awareness month. According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the overall suicide rate in the U.S. increase by over 35% since 1999. Suicide rates vary by race/ethnicity, age, and other factors, however overall the Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that in the U.S.: • 78% of all people who die by suicide are male. • Individuals aged 45-64 are at the greatest risk of suicide. • The highest rates of suicide are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white individuals. • Other Americans with higher than average rates of suicide include veterans, those living in rural areas, incarcerated individuals, workers in certain industries (i.e. construction), and transgender youth. Suicide rates among populations differ based on their ability to access culturally appropriate and effective behavioral health treatment and their experiences of discrimination and historical trauma. Other factors that may be related to suicide risk include having: • Diagnosed mental health conditions • Chronic pain or disabling illness • Serious financial, legal or criminal problems • Bullying or discrimination • Easy access to self-harm methods • Use of alcohol or drugs
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