Written by Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Suicide is an important topic to discuss as it is a major health concern and deserves more attention and resources to prevent it from happening. The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention states that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, meaning that on average, there are 132 suicides per day. That is an extremely high number compared to other causes of death in the United States. For example, according to USA Today, on average there are 114 deaths from car crashes every day. So how do North American suicide rates compare globally?
The rates of suicide can differ significantly from country to country and they are often impacted by various factors such as societal, cultural, financial, and mental health issues like depression in a community. Despite the relatively low suicide rates in countries like India, other nations like Lesotho, Guyana, and South Korea experience very high suicide rates compared to that of the United States. According to the organization, Wisevoter, the suicide rate in the United States is 12.93 deaths per 100,000 people, while in India, the suicide rate is 7.7 deaths per 100,000 people. By comparison, the suicide rate in Lesotho is 41.08 deaths per 100,000 people, in Guyana it is 37.4 deaths per 100,000 people, and in South Korea, it is 28.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
Undoubtedly, suicide is a complex and often difficult issue. High suicide rates can be attributed to many factors, but the largest contributing factor is poor mental health. Studies have found that people with certain mental health conditions are more likely to commit suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that about 90% of people who die by suicide suffer from a mental health disorder such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, or anxiety. Furthermore, the WHO states that suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-29-year-olds, emphasizing the importance of guidance and support for young people. The reasons for suicide are complicated, vast, and varied, but the majority of those who’ve considered suicide described feeling disconnected from others, helpless, lost, hopeless, and unable to process negative and overwhelming thoughts.
Suicide is a global health issue that needs to be addressed. Understanding the suicide rates in different countries can help us better understand the factors that contribute to this issue. We can also use this information to develop better prevention strategies that will help reduce the number of suicides worldwide. It is important to remember that suicide is preventable and it is essential to provide more resources to those who are struggling with mental health challenges. Through increased awareness, support, and understanding of mental health issues, we can help reduce suicide rates and create a more supportive environment for those who are struggling.
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