Today is National Suicide Prevention Day. There is no one who would question the importance of preventing suicide. All of the events and materials available to acknowledge this day are a testament to that belief and commitment. We should also take a moment and consider what is says about this epidemic problem that we even have a suicide prevention day.
There were 36,909 suicide deaths reported by the CDC in the US in 2009. The rate has been increasing since 2000 and in 2009 it increased 2.4% over 2008. That equates to 12 suicides per 100,000 people, makes suicide the 10th leading cause of death in the US is the highest rate in 15 years.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has many more facts and figures. But over the next series of posts, we will be talking about suicide and teens, what are the warning signs and what can you do! Here are some of the topics we will be discussing.
What are the warning signs specifically of teen suicide?
How can you know if your teen might have a suicide plan?
Which teens are more at risk for suicide?
Our goal is to turn the light on this difficult and painful problem.
