Suicide statistics show that self-harm is a common occurrence, committed by nearly 800,000 people every year. It happens in every country, regardless of the victims’ religion or socio-economic class. Many factors contribute to one’s decision to take their own life, among which are mental disorders, financial struggles, and harassment.
And yet, some suicides can be prevented. Having a united and supportive community to help people deal with issues minimizes the risk of committing suicide.
Take a look at the suicide and depression statistics we gathered to find out more about what triggers people and what you can do to prevent such acts.
Suicide Stats (Editor’s Choice)
- In the US, Native Americans have the highest suicide rate — 34.8 per 100,000 people
- China accounts for over 25% of suicides globally
- In the United States, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death
- Four in ten people of LGBT youth have considered suicide
- Over 50% of firefighters’ suicides are not included in the US suicide statistics
- 25% of young adults struggle with suicidal thoughts due to the pandemic
- Almost 55% of people who committed suicide were not diagnosed with a mental health issue
- Strengthening economic support could help prevent suicides in those aged 25–64
Suicide Rates by Country
Research has shown that the number of suicide cases in a country is related to the national GDP, alcohol abuse tendencies, climate, demographics, and many others factors.
1. Close to 800,000 people worldwide commit suicide every year.
(WHO)
According to the World Health Organization, every 40 seconds, someone commits suicide. Sadly, suicide facts show that for each person who takes their life, 20 others have attempted to.
2. The highest suicide rate in the US is among Native Americans — 44.5 cases per 100,000 people.
(NIMH)
Suicide rates by race show that Native Americans and Non-Hispanic males have the highest — 34.8 per 100,000 people.
Cases among white Non-Hispanic males take second place — with a rate of 30.4, followed by Non-Hispanic females (10.5), and finally, white Non-Hispanic females (8.3).
3. 1.4 million people in the US attempted suicide in 2019.
(CDC)
Suicide attempts statistics show that 12 million people in the US seriously considered committing suicide, and 3.5 million planned it in 2019.
Suicide attempts have a severe emotional and financial impact on the victim and may cause severe long-term health problems. On a brighter note, 90% of people who unsuccessfully attempt to take their life don’t try again.
4. Lithuania has the highest suicide rate in Europe.
(World Population Review, Voxeu)
According to global suicide statistics, Lithuania has the highest suicide rate among European countries, with 26.1 suicides per 100,000 people. The common suicide-contributing factors in Lithuania are alcohol consumption, climate, demographics, and GDP.
5. Antigua and Barbuda has the fewest suicide cases — 0.5 per 100,000 residents.
(World Population Review)
Statistics on suicide show that the world’s lowest suicide rates are in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados (0.6), and Grenada (0.7).
6. The suicide rate in South Korea is the fourth highest in the world.
(World Population Review)
The suicide rate in South Korea is highest among the elderly population. The cause is fear and unwillingness to be a financial burden, as children are traditionally expected to take care of their parents later in life.
Suicide statistics show that South Korean students are also an endangered group due to parental pressure for academic success.
7. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Japanese men aged 20 to 44 years.
(World Population Review)
Japanese men are twice as likely to take their lives than women, self-harm statistics show. The most common suicide causes are loss of a job and the inability to take care of the family.
8. China accounts for over a fourth of suicides worldwide.
(World Population Review)
Suicide demographics reveal that contrary to other countries, women are more likely to commit suicide than men in China.
The increased divorce rates due to domestic violence leave many single mothers struggling to raise and financially support their children. The pressure of such situations is among the leading causes of female suicides.
9. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
(NIMH)
Suicide rates are on the rise in the US — self-harm is the second leading death cause among people aged 10 to 34 and the fourth among 35-to-54 year-olds.
Overall, the US’ total percentage of suicidal deaths has increased by 35% in the last 20 years.
10. 10 US states legalized assisted suicide.
(UpToDate, Death with Dignity)
The assisted suicide differs from euthanasia, which is one’s action to end another person’s life to prevent further suffering.
Assisted suicide is a strict process, allowing terminally ill patients to decide whether and when they want to die. It consists of a series of steps that give enough time to the patient to make the final decision.
According to physicians assisted suicide statistics, assisted death is legal in ten states.
Teen and Young Adults Suicide Statistics
The Coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected teenagers and young adults — the rate of suicidal thoughts among them has significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2019.
Statistics show that LGBT youth has a hard time finding mental health support and often struggles with suicidal tendencies.
11. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds.
(American Health Rankings)
Teen suicide statistics indicate a severe mental health problem among that age group. Self-harm thoughts and attempts are more frequent with females, although males are more likely to die of suicide.
12. 40% of LGBT youth has considered suicide.
(NBCnews, The Trevor Project)
According to the latest LGBT youth suicide statistics and the most extensive survey among 40,000 LBGT people aged between 13 and 24, 48% reported they have engaged in self-harm.
Additionally, 40% reported seriously considering suicide in the last 12 months, and 15% have attempted it.
LGBT youth often feel left out and suffer from anxiety and depression. Moreover, they still have difficulties finding adequate professional assistance.
13. One in four young adults struggles with suicidal thoughts due to the pandemic.
(CDC)
According to CDC suicide statistics, more males than females considered ending their lives in 2020.
People aged 18 to 24 report feeling increased stress, depression, and anxiety due to the pandemic.
14. Young adults under 25, who have experienced cyberbullying, are twice more likely to commit suicide.
(Comparitech)
Cyberbullying suicide statistics show that young adults worldwide often suffer from gruesome online attacks, so much it’s causing them to resort to suicide.
15. Suicidal ideation and attempts among 11-to-21-year-olds were higher during certain months of 2020.
(AAPpublications)
According to a study done in Texas, the rise in suicide-related behavior corresponds with the increased Covid-related public stress period.
Covid suicide statistics show that suicidal tendencies were 1.6 times higher in March and 1.45 in July 2020 than in the same months of 2019.
Suicide Rates by Gender
Both men and women suffer from various mental health issues. Unfortunately, men are less likely to discuss their struggles openly and seek help. Suicide facts indicate that white males are the social group most likely to kill themselves.
16. White males account for 69.4% of suicide cases in 2019.
(AFSP, BBC)
White male suicide rates are the highest in 2019, making them 3.63 times more likely to die of suicide than women.
Men also use more violent suicide means with a little-to-none chance of saving their life.
17. Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide.
(Very Well Mind)
Suicide rates by sex show that while men succeed more often in taking their life, women are far more likely to experience suicidal thinking and attempt self-harm.
Sadly, often females suicide attempts are considered a way of getting attention. When not taken seriously, a failed suicide attempt will likely lead to another one in the future.
18. The suicide rate among women is highest for those aged between 45 and 64.
(NIMH)
Suicide demographics show that 9.6% of female suicides are commited by women aged 45 to 64 years. Among males, the rates are highest for those over 75.
19. 51% of transgender people who suffered discrimination or violence attempt suicide.
(ScienceDirect, Williams Institute)
Discrimination, physical attacks, lack of support, a feeling of isolation, or job loss often lead transgender people to consider or attempt suicide.
98% of 2019 survey responders admit they have considered suicide, while the transgender suicide rate shows half of them have actually tried taking their lives.
Suicide Rates per Occupation
Some occupations carry more mental stress than others. Police officers, firefighters, and veterans are among those who often suffered trauma during their work.
20. Every year since 2008, the number of veteran suicides has been over 6,300.
(Mental Health)
Veteran suicide statistics show that the veteran numbers are decreasing while the rate of suicides is increasing. Suicide trends were predominant in white veterans, and firearms were the preferred means — in 69.4% of the male cases.
21. The highest number of police suicides per year was 228.
(USA Today)
Police suicide statistics reveal that is more than all line-of-duty deaths that year combined. Unfortunately, the high number of retired police officers and lack of suicide reports suggest that these numbers might be even higher.
22. Only 40% of firefighters’ suicides are reported.
(ABC7, Delmarvanow)
The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance believes less than half of firefighters’ suicides are reported, suggesting the numbers are actually way higher.
Firefighter suicide statistics show that self-harm cases surpass the on-duty deaths by 30% for the last five years. The main reasons are PTSD and depression, which can be five times more common among firefighters than civilian people.
23. COVID-19 pandemic is likely to cause an increased suicide rate among hospital staff.
(NCBI, Washington Post, NurcingCE)
Doctors and nurses suddenly found themselves the first line of defense against the newest disease, which took its toll on them.
Data shows that up to 400 physicians commit suicide each year, and over 70% of nurses show signs of burnout, which can directly increase suicidal intentions.
Suicide Statistics Related to Mental Illnesses
Depression is among the primary reasons for taking one’s life, but it’s not the only mental illness that can trigger such a decision. Mental issues awareness and suicide prevention are crucial to helping people experiencing such tendencies.
24. Between 20 and 60% of bipolar patients attempt suicide at least once.
(Med)
Bipolar suicide statistics show that the suicide rate for people with the disorder is 20 times higher than the general population’s.
Bipolar people usually self-harm due to their rapid mood swings and frequent hospitalizations. Early-onset of the illness or extended periods without treatment can trigger suicidal tendencies.
25. PTSD accounts for 0.6% of male suicides and 3.6% of female.
(Science Direct)
PTSD is often a cause of suicide, especially among women. According to PTSD suicide statistics, in up to 54% of the death cases, the disorder was the primary cause.
26. 54% of the people who committed suicide didn’t have a known mental health issue.
(CDC NAMI SAVE HHS)
Studies show that over half of the people who committed suicide were not diagnosed with a mental illness.
Suicide Prevention Statistics
Providing people with the proper support and implementing national suicide prevention strategies can reduce the number of deaths.
27. World’s Suicide Prevention Day is September 10.
(WHO)
Due to the growth in suicide stats and numbers, September 10 is dedicated as a prevention day. Suicide prevention programs are also available throughout the year to raise awareness of the problem.
28. National suicide prevention strategies work best among males aged 25 to 44.
(BMC Psychiatry, Journalist Resource)
The right suicide prevention strategies can minimize the number of suicides per year. Moreover, these policies have proved effective on males aged between 25 and 64 years.
In the US, the gun control intervention positively affected the number of suicides among males.
These types of interventions are considered ‘means control,’ and they focus on reducing the access and exposure to lethal weapons, in this case, firearms.
29. Better financial support could help prevent suicides among 25-to-64-year-olds.
(CDC)
The historical trends show that suicide rates increase during recessions and unemployment periods. In addition, suicide rates by age show that adult individuals who struggle with reduced income and covering expenses are likely to consider self-harming.
The government can reduce the stress of these individuals and prevent potential death by providing economic support.
Conclusion
Suicide statistics reveal the magnitude of the problem. Mental health issues, economic struggles, discrimination, harassment, and most recently — a pandemic — are among the plethora of reasons that can make people believe suicide is their best option.
Raising awareness of the issue and implementing country-wide prevention strategies can help reduce the numbers.
If you or anyone around you struggles with suicidal thoughts, emergency hotlines and professionals can help through the dark periods.
People Also Ask
Which country has the most suicidal deaths?
Lesotho has the highest rate of suicides in the world — 72.4 per 100,000 people. In Europe, Lithuania takes first place with a rate of 26.1.
How many people kill themselves a year?
Every 40 seconds, someone commits suicide, which accounts for about 800,000 people per year.
In the US, 12 million people seriously considered suicide, 3.5 million planned it, and 1.4 million took their lives.
Which city has the highest suicidal deaths?
Vegas is the US city with the most suicides yearly due to the increased alcohol use and gambling. Suicide rates in Nevada are almost double the US national rates.
Other cities with high suicide rates are Tacoma, Miami, New Orleans, and New York.
How many suicides are there in the world in 2020?
Statistics reveal an unexpected decrease in suicides — 5.6% less than the 2019 rates.
Is suicide the leading cause of death?
Globally, suicides are the third leading cause of death among males and females aged 15 to 44 and the 10th in the US.
Additionally, it’s the second leading cause of death among those aged between 10 and 34 and the fourth among 34 to 54 years.
What is the number one cause of suicide?
Studies show that mental illness is the number one cause of suicides.
Other causes of suicide include substance abuse, inability to cope, loss of a loved one, sexual orientation, family crisis, unemployment, cyberbullying, exposure to violence, and similar.
