About Suicide

In 2022, according to the CDC, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. It was the second cause of death for young people ages 10-14 and 25-34. In Lehigh County, it is the third leading cause of death. Suicide is a serious, complex public health issue. Suicide and suicide attempts can have long-lasting effects on friends, family members, entire communities, as well as on first responders and other exposed individuals.

Statistics

2022

13.2 million

adults seriously thought about suicide.

2022

5.2% increase

in the suicide rate compared to 2020.

94% of U.S. adults believe

suicide is preventable

with more education. (2022 Harris Poll)

In 2022, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million made a plan, and 1.6 million attempted suicide. The suicide rate in 2022 showed a 5.2% increase compared to 2020.

In Lehigh County, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death. Males are 4X more likely to die by suicide than females. 19% of students in Lehigh County considered suicide. 135 people are directly and intimately affected by each suicide.

Prevention

There is no single cause of suicide. Suicide is influenced by many factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience.

Suicide deaths reflect only a portion of the problem. Every year, millions of Americans seriously think about suicide, plan, or attempt suicide. Suicide and suicide attempts can contribute to lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. The good news is that suicide is preventable.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Below are some behaviors that might indicate someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about:

• Wanting to die.
• Great guilt or shame.
• Being a burden to others.

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live.
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage.
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain.

Changing behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die.
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will.
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
• Eating or sleeping more or less.
• Using drugs or alcohol more often.

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. Things might seem impossible right now but talking about it can help.

Is someone you know in crisis?

Dial or Text 988

I Feel Lost

Family frustrations, relationship difficulties, school pressures, and discovering your identity can feel overwhelming and impossible to deal with alone. Trials and tribulations with relationships and difficult moments with important people in our lives can also feel overwhelming. Seeking out support can make these changes manageable!

Learn More

Need Help?

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, or if someone you know is in crisis. Call. Text. Chat.

Available 24 hours.

Lehigh County Crisis Hotline
610-782-3127
Lehigh County Resident Suicide Data

(2011-2021):
Lehigh County Peer Run Warmline
1-833-899-1331