Suicide in Idaho: Myths, Facts and Statistics

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Suicide in Idaho: Myths, Facts and Statistics

As of 2002, suicide ranks at the eleventh leading killer of all Americans. Approximately 30,000 die of suicide each year. This equates to 80 per day or one every 18 minutes.

Idaho currently ranks eighth in the nation for per capita suicide rates, approximately one-third above the national average. Approximately 180 to 200 Idahoans take their lives every year. For more information contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ or the Idaho Bureau of Vital Statistics at ww2.state.id.us/dhw/vital_stats

Idaho ranks second for suicide among young people. In Idaho, suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents, teenagers and young adults. It is also a major source of mortality for those 65 and older.

Studies in many states suggest that for each completed suicide there are 20 to 30 nonfatal attempts serious enough to require hospitalization. These attempts often produce lifelong disfigurement, paralysis, or other forms of mental and/or physical dehabilitation.

More women attempt suicide than man, but more men complete than women. One of the deciding factors appears to be the method chosen. Firearms are responsible for more than 75 percent of all suicide completions in Idaho.

In Idaho, each completed suicide leaves at least 6 and as many as 20 people directly affected by the death - family members, co-workers, co-religionists, etc.

Contrary to public opinion, suicide does not vary with socioeconomic status or religious affiliation. It does vary with race, ethnicity an aphical location. Recent studies indicate that the most important variable is the presence of an undiagnosed mental/ brain illnesses such as depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia and intermittent rage disorder.

In the Idaho's Treasure Valley (Caldwell-Nampa-Boise) approximately 100 people their lives to suicide annually. Estimated costs for emergency and hospital services for attempts and completions currently exceed $1 million every year.

Because of under-reporting, almost all statistics on suicide tend to be conservative. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that accurate reporting would elevate the number of completed suicides by approximately 20 percent.

Studies indicate that 85 percent of people who died of suicide told someone what they were going to do starting two months before the act. IF SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT SUICIDE TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! IT IS THE CLEAREST INDICATION OF AN IMPENDING SUICIDE. Asure Valley (Caldwell-Nampa-Boise) approximately 100 people their lives to suicide annually. Estimated costs for emergency and hospital services for attempts and completions currently exceed $1 million every year.

http://www.boisestate.edu/suicideprevention/Idsuic.htm

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