The global annual toll of suicide deaths is nearly 1 million, more than deaths from homicide and war combined. Suicide rates remain high or are increasing in many countries. Over 90% of suicide deaths in the US have a history of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance abuse. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for those under age 45. Risk factors include mental illness, substance abuse, cultural and social pressures, economic stresses, access to means of suicide, and lack of awareness of treatment options. Prevention requires identifying and treating mental illness, restricting access to lethal means, responsible media reporting, and improving access to healthcare and social support services.

1. risk factors in
suicide
The current annual global toll from suicide is nearly 1 million deaths.
This is more than the number of deaths from homicide and war combined.
Rates remain stubbornly high or are increasing in many countries
including the U.S., Russia, Japan and South Korea.
For every committed suicide, there are at least 20 attempts.
in the U.S.,
0ver 90% of those who take their own
liFe have a history of mental illness.
Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,
eating disorders and drug addiction are all
commonly associated with suicide.
Individuals with a substance use disorder
are almost 6 times as likely to report a
lifetime suicide attempt.
mental illness
Suicide is the
3rd leading cause of death in THE
UNDER 45 AGE GROUP.
Copycat suicide and social pressure are
common amongst younger deaths.
Pressure to maintain financial stability
disproportionately impacts middle-aged males.
Fear of becoming dependent or a financial
burden are observed more in older age groups.
gender
culture
economy
geography
awareness PTSD
Heightened awareness and media
presence can prompt suicides; however,
lack of awareness can leave those at risk
with nowhere to turn.
18% of those who commit suicide in
But prevention and detection
efforts continue to fall short
In part due to the lack of
awareness of serious depressive
illness as well as social and
cultural stigma.
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underlying risk factors
circumstantial risk factors
prevention
the U.S. are veterans.
actions for insurers
age
In general rates of suicide
are higher in males.
Cultural acceptance and
perception have a strong
influence on suicide rates.
Suicide rates are seen to increase
during times of recession.
Permanent daylight may
explain summertime peaks in
Greenland’s suicide rate.
Identify and
treat those
suering from
mental disorders
and substance
abuse.
Improve access
to health and
social services.
Restrict access
to toxic substances
and firearms.
Report suicide
in the media
responsibly.
Encourage greater
employee support in
group schemes.
a concerted
effort on suicide
prevention
is required.
Include support
services such as
anonymous hotlines
for individual
policyholders.
WWW.GENRE.COM/SUICIDESTATISTICS
Sara Goldberg
+49 221 9738 337
sara.goldberg@genre.com
de.linkedin.com/in/sarawgoldberg
Help remove
barriers to mental
health services.
Ensure eective
rehabilitation for
those recovering
from an
attempted suicide.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/suicide_datasheet-a.pdf
http://www.genre.com/knowledge/publications/ri14-1-goldberg-en.html
http://www.who.int/topics/suicide/en/
https://www.iasp.info/pdf/papers/Bertolote.pdf
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/substance-use-disorder/link-between-substance-abuse-violence-and-suicide
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/suicide-prevention-report/en/