Published on March 03, 2025

Understanding Suicide: Awareness, Prevention and Support

someone sitting alone in a dark room

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. Raising awareness and promoting understanding can help reduce stigma and encourage support for those struggling with mental health challenges.

The overall suicide rate in the United States has increased by 35% since 1999. It is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34 and the tenth leading cause of death overall.

Additionally, 78% of people who die by suicide are male, and 46% had a diagnosed mental health condition. Recognizing the warning signs and fostering open conversations about mental health can play a crucial role in prevention.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting individuals regardless of gender, age, background, or ethnicity. Like mental health conditions, suicidal thoughts can impact anyone.

Suicide occurs when a person takes their own life, while a suicide attempt refers to an act of self-harm with the intention of ending one’s life that does not result in death. While a difficult subject, discussing suicide is essential to increasing awareness and support for those at risk.

Suicide Rates in the High Country

A local perspective provides insight into the impact of suicide within the community. According to the 2020 Community Health Report for Watauga County, the suicide rate from 2014 to 2018 was 12.9 per 100,000 people. The 2018 Youth Risk Behavior Survey at Watauga High School reported that 15.4% of students had considered attempting suicide, 9.8% had made a plan, and 6.1% had attempted suicide in the past year.

In Avery County, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in 2021, with a small number of reported cases (<20). From 2015-2019, the suicide mortality rate in Avery County was 12% lower than the Western North Carolina regional average but 28% higher than the state average. The 2021 Avery County Student Survey found that 37% of high school students had experienced prolonged feelings of hopelessness, with female students being more affected. Additionally, 12% of students reported considering suicide, 11% had made a plan, and nearly 4% had attempted suicide in the past year.

Community Impact

Suicidal thoughts and experiences affect many people, including family members, friends, and coworkers. The following statistics provide insight into the prevalence of suicidal thoughts across different demographic groups in the U.S.:

  • 4.8% of all adults
  • 11.8% of young adults aged 18-25
  • 18.8% of high school students
  • 46.8% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students
  • Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers.
  • Transgender adults are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available:

  • Call, text, or chat with trained counselors at 988 (National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
  • Call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • You can walk in and self-present at Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital anytime. The address is 432 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC, call 828-737-7071 or visit: https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/services/behavioral-health/ for outpatient therapy, telehealth appointments, and inpatient services—no referral needed.

Help is available, and seeking support can make a difference.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db362-h.pdf

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. (2021). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from

https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved

July 15, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

Appalachian District Health Department (2022) Community Health Report: Watauga 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from

https://www.apphealthcare.com/community-health/#health-reports

Toe River Health District (2022) Avery County Community Health Assessment 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2022 from

http://www.toeriverhealth.org/2021%20Avery%20County%20CHA_Final_21422.pdf