Suicide Prevention Starts with Awareness
The face of suicide deaths is rarely what we expect. This is as true of demographic groups as it is of the neighbor or friend whose tragic death we mourn.
While many associate suicide primarily with teenagers, this stereotype is misleading. If suicide had a face, statistically, it would more likely be that of an adult Native American/Alaskan Native or white male.
In 2021, the suicide rate among whites (adjusted for population growth and age) was 17.4 deaths per 100,000 people. That is almost twice the rate of suicide for Blacks, Hispanics and Asian or Pacific Islanders. With a suicide rate of 28.1 deaths per 100,000 people, however, Native Americans/Alaskan natives have the highest suicide rate by far.
Who is more at risk
Sex and age also make a difference. While women attempt suicide more often than men, men are almost four times as likely to die from it. In addition, the suicide rate among teenagers is less than half that of the rate for all other age groups, including those 65 and older. The highest suicide rate is found among those aged 26 to 44. A Look at the Latest Suicide Data and Change Over the Last Decade | KFF
Suicide risk is affected by location as well as by race, age and sex. Although it is true that more suicides take place in cities than in rural areas, this is only because urban populations are so much larger. Per population, people living in rural areas are 70% more likely to die by suicide than their urban counterparts.
From 2011 to 2021 the suicide rate increased for all of the above-mentioned demographic groups. However, not all groups are increasing at the same rate. The increase in suicide rates for American Indians and Alaskan Natives is especially alarming. Between 2011 and 2021 the suicide rates for these groups went up an astonishing 70%. This upward trend is even older than these figures suggest. Between 1999 and 2019 suicide rates among native American and Alaskan native men actually increased by 139%.
Since 2011 the suicide rate among blacks has risen 60%. In contrast the Asian American suicide rate has risen 16.7% and the rate for whites increased by a relatively low 12.3%. Hispanics landed at the high end of the middle with an increase of 39%.
Whether the suicide statistics of a population are already high, or steeply rising, every single death by suicide is one death too many. Statistics can help us recognize some of the unexpected faces of suicide. Once they are identified, however, wanting to help is not enough. People who care must also have an idea of what to say and do.
Why talking about it matters
Even with the best intentions, many people feel unprepared to talk to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Fear of saying the wrong thing can lead to silence—and silence can deepen isolation.
But help is available, and you don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference.
How You Can Help
Take a workshop: Programs like Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) offer practical tools for recognizing and responding to suicidal ideation.
Read and learn: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers excellent resources and local chapters.
Support at Rush Memorial Hospital
At RMH Behavioral and Mental Health Services, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care for individuals facing mental health challenges—including suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Our team includes licensed clinical social workers, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and support staff dedicated to helping patients find hope and healing.
We offer:
- Individual and family counseling
- Medication management
- Suicide prevention support groups
- Help accessing community resources like housing, food, and transportation
If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. We’re here to help.
Call for an appointment: (765) 932-7010
🔗 Learn more about RMH Behavioral and Mental Health Services