Suicide is a Major National Public Health Problem
In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 16 minutes, claiming over 32,000 lives each year.
- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States; the second leading cause among 10- to 34-years-olds; and the number one cause of death for Ohioans aged 10-14.
- Approximately 1,800 Ohioans die by suicide each year.
- Clermont County has the second-highest suicide rate in Southwest Ohio.
Yet, suicide still carries a stigma as something that should not be discussed. Depression has a direct link to suicide.
Suicide is preventable. Suicide impacts many lives. Not only the individuals but their families, friends, and the community as a whole. Anyone can become suicidal given the right conditions and circumstances. Our task is to help others understand and recognize suicidal behavior and take action to prevent suicides. Most suicidal people desperately want to live—they are just unable to see alternative solutions to their problems.
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, help is available!
The Clermont and Brown Crisis Hotline is staffed 24/7 with trained mental health professionals. Call (513) 528-SAVE (7283).
For more information on the signs of suicide visit the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation website.
Suicide: Look For Warning Signs
It’s not always easy to determine if someone you care about is at immediate risk of suicide, but they may show one or more of the following warning signs:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Poor performance at work and/or school
- Giving away prized possessions
- Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits /losing or gaining weight
- Comorbid mental health disorders
- Withdrawal from family and/or friends
- A sudden increase in a positive mood (after other indicators of suicidal thoughts or long-term depression)
- Sudden change in physical appearance and/or personality
- A feeling of disconnection from loved ones/a sense of overwhelming loneliness
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, even in a “joking” manner
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Sleeping too little or too much/extreme changes in sleeping patterns
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Excessive risk-taking
For more information on statistics: www.ohiospf.org/statistics
Risk Factors for Suicide Include:
- Mental, mood, anxiety, and some personality disorders;
- Alcohol and substance use issues;
- Hopelessness;
- Tendency toward impulsiveness or aggression;
- History of trauma or abuse;
- Major physical illness;
- Previous suicide attempt(s);
- Family history of suicide;
- Suicide exposure either in real-life or on social media;
- Job loss or financial catastrophe;
- Access to lethal means;
- Local cluster of suicides;
- Feeling isolated and/or lacking social support;
- Fear of stigma in asking for help;
- Shortage of healthcare services, especially mental health and substance abuse;
- Cultural or religious background and beliefs
Additional Information
Suicide can impact anyone. Help is available 24/7 through the Clermont County Crisis Hotline 513-528-7283. Below are links for additional information.
Students/Young Adults: More and more youth are struggling and may not know how to ask for or get help. For more information, please go to Be Present in Ohio or Sources of Strength.
Parents: As a parent, you can approach suicide prevention just like any other health or safety concern that you might have for your child/children. For additional information and resources regarding suicide and young adults, please visit Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents/Guardians/Families or Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know.
Service Members/Veterans: Suicide among military personnel is at a crisis level. For those that serve or who have served, crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. If you are a veteran or service member and in crisis, call the Veteran’s Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 option 1. For more information on resources for military personnel, please visit the Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Adults 45+: Adults between the ages of 45-64 have the highest rate of suicide and men are 4x more likely to die by suicide then women. For more information and resources for men, please visit Man Therapy.
For more information on statistics: Ohio Department of Health
