Did you know that the tenth leading cause of death in 2010 for all ages was suicide? In order to help prevent suicides, we must first be equipped with the facts about suicide statistics. According to the CDC there was an estimated 38,364 suicides in 2010 in the United States. That is on average about 105 deaths each day. In addition, the National Violent Death Reporting System states in 2009, 33.3% of suicide deaths tested positive for alcohol, 23% for antidepressants, and 20.8% for opiates, including heroin and prescription pain killers. Suicide results in an estimated $34.6 billion in combined medical and work loss costs in the United States and 20% of all suicide deaths are among 15- to 24-year olds. These facts are not only startling; but they are completely preventable if an intervention is held in time. Here is a list of warning signs that you should be watching out for.

Suicide Statistics & Warning Signs

Please feel free to share this Suicide Statistics Infographic below. Help us continue to spread the word about suicide prevention.

Suicide Warning Signs

• Talking about killing themselves
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Uncontrollable anger or sadness irrational mood swings and behaviors
• Feeling of worthlessness or no sense of purpose
• Feeling hopeless, desperate, or trapped
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Anxiety and depression
• Change in sleep and eating habits
• Neglect of personal hygiene and care
• Self-injury and/or reckless behavior
• Expressing unusual behaviors and thoughts in journals, through social media outlets, or other forms of communication
• Giving away prized possessions

Critical Suicide Warning Signs

• Person has a weapon and threatening to cause themselves harm
• Talking about killing themselves and acting anxious or agitated
• Talking about death or suicide while drunk or high
• Seeking methods to kill themselves

Warning: Please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-861-1768 now if you identify with any of the above signs or know someone who exhibits these signs.

How can I help?

Get help by contacting the National Suicide Prevention helpline at 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting the following sites for more information on how to talk to someone who may be struggling www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or www.suicideispreventable.org