Talk Away the Dark

As September and National Suicide Prevention Month come to a close, I am sharing the latest published statistics on suicide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data & Statistics Fatal Injury Report for 2021 made available in 2023:
- In 2021, there were an estimated 1.7M suicide attempts.
- The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men.
- In 2021, men died by suicide 3.9x more than women.
- On average, there are 132 suicides per day.
- White males accounted for 69.68% of suicide deaths in 2021.
- 94% of adults surveyed in the US think suicide can be prevented.

Suicide is a topic that many avoid because we worry that saying the wrong thing could make the struggle and hurt from the situation worse. So, we say nothing. However, survey results and experts inform us that a few kind words can make a world of difference.

Be brave. Be resilient. Be assertive. Learn the warning signs, know the facts, and bravely open an honest conversation with someone you care about. The Association For Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides tools, resources and creative ways to build confidence to #TalkAwayTheDark.

www.TalkAwayTheDark.afsp.org