Studies show that childhood abuse increases the risk of adult suicide.
People who experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse as children are three times more likely to kill themselves as adults, new research has found.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. One suicide charity said 70% of people who had either tried to take their own life or who had thought about it had been abused. The findings come from research undertaken by academics at the University of Manchester and South Wales University, who analyzed the results of 68 previous studies on the subject from around the world.
From 2011 to 2022, over half a million lives (539,810) were lost to suicide, with 2022 showing the highest number of deaths on record. Within this period, the adjusted suicide rate increased by 16%.
Recognizing the mounting mental health crisis and demand for accessible crisis care, the Federal Government introduced a new crisis number, 988, available nationwide in July 2022.
Though suicide deaths slowed in 2019 and 2020, they began to increase again in 2021 and 2022, but the cause of this recent rise in suicides is unclear. Source - CDC
9-8-8 Three numbers can save your life – or the life of someone you know. I challenge you to let the people you care about know about 988. A number for anyone, anywhere can contact if they or someone they know are struggling with their mental health or having thoughts of suicide.
For mental health, substance use, and suicidal crises.
Free. Is Confidential. Available 24/7/365.
Text, call, or chat online at 988Lifeline.org.
Contacting 988 doesn’t mean that someone comes to your house. It gets you the help and support you need when you need it most. That makes a big difference, because for so long, the only response when someone was in crisis was to rely on law enforcement, escalating far too many situations and causing more trauma and tragedy.
Do your part and spread the word.
If you are struggling, or worrying about someone else, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Suicide is defined as intentionally causing one’s death. It’s often associated with depression, but there are many other factors that can lead to a person considering suicide; these include chronic physical illness, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, financial stressors, and more. Suicide isn’t just an act of desperation—it can be a coping mechanism for people who feel like they have no other options.
There are many reasons why someone might consider suicide—some feel overwhelmed with sadness or despair, while others feel like they have no control over their lives or that their situation will never improve. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously.
Do you know anyone who has committed suicide? Do you know someone you think needs help? Unlike other mental disorders, suicidal thoughts are usually invisible.
The National Comorbidity Survey analysis showed a correlation between child sexual abuse and the subsequent onset of psychiatric disorders, with findings revealing that 78% of females and 82% of males who reported child sexual abuse met diagnostic criteria for at least 1-lifetime psychiatric disorder compared to individuals who did not report child sexual abuse (49% and 51%, respectively).
maggiewhichardmentalhealthcoach.com margwhich@gmail.com (314) 956-2588