According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-24. In their estimates for 2020, more that 45,000 Americans died by suicide and 1.2 million Americans attempted suicide. Girls and women are more likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempt suicide than males, but boys and men are more likely to die by suicide.
The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of students in Monroe County reports that 8% of high school students overall attempted suicide in 2019, with females having more suicidal behaviors than males.
(These and additional detailed data are available from the Monroe County Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2019).
National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 show that more than 17% of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students attempted suicide.
We can all help keep someone safe from suicide. Knowing the signs, reaching out, asking questions and being supportive can save lives. Excellent resources for prevention include 988 Lifeline, and the Rochester chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Additional data on suicide in our region are available in a RocHealthData local health assessment report.
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