Suicide: Every 40 Seconds
One person commits suicide every 40 seconds, according to a statement released by the United Nations’ World Health Organization (who) on September 4. This equates to 2,160 individuals every day. The UN also said this statistic could be an underestimate since many nations don’t collect accurate data, especially in nations where suicide is illegal.
The report states that 800,000 people commit suicide each year—more than the global yearly death toll from wars and natural disasters combined. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-to-29-year-olds. Globally, suicide is the 15th leading cause of death for all age groups. The UN agency stated that people over age 70 have the highest suicide rates.
“Suicide kills more than conflicts, wars and natural catastrophes,” said Shekhar Saxena, director of who’s mental health department. “There are 1.5 million violent deaths every year in the world, of which, 800,000 are suicides.”
Although illegal in India, its suicide rate of 21 suicides per 100,000 people is nearly twice the world average of 11 deaths per 100,000. North Korea has one of the highest rates in the world with 39.5 suicides for every 100,000 people.
Bullying, harassment, alcohol and drug abuse, the feeling of not being accepted by family or the community, and a loss of hope drive people to end their lives. For every individual who commits suicide each year, far more unsuccessfully attempt it.
“[T]his underlines and emphasizes the role the media play in reporting suicide cases. Suicide should not be glamorized or sensationalized in the media because of the imitation that can follow,” Fleischmann said.
Suicide destroys more than the individual who commits it. It destroys families, causing terrible emotional anguish for those close to the deceased.
To understand the real cause and solution to suicide, read “The Truth About Suicide.”
