Suicide Up And Down

Suicide is recognized as a major health crisis, even as few know what to do about it.

The bad news is that about 800,000 people commit suicide every year, globally. The good news is that global suicide rates are down 32.7% in 27 years. The total is up but the rate is down, a consequence of increasing population.

The US, however just has more bad news. Suicide rate is up rather than down: up 33% in the US in the last 20 years.

“Overall mortality, particularly in the middle years, is increasing as a result of the so-called “deaths of despair” due to suicide, alcohol, opioids, and liver disease.” – World Economic Forum

The other good news is that detection and prevention are improving.

While physical health issues may require expensive drugs or procedures, at least some mental health issues can be improved by people as individuals, communities, cultures, and societies. The fact that the global suicide rates are down is proof that progress can be made. The fact that suicide exists is proof that the progress is necessary.

“The Global Suicide Rate Is Growing – What Can We Do?” – World Economic Forum