2021 The Facts: Suicide In the United States (U.S.), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all ages and the 2nd leading cause of death for youth and young adults between the ages of 10-34 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2021). According to CDC, a person dies of suicide every 11 minutes (CDC 2021).
Alabama Facts: In 2019, the Alabama suicide rate was 16.4 per 100,000 persons (804 deaths) making suicide the 12th leading cause of death in Alabama. Data, however, has consistently shown a pattern of higher rates in Alabama than the U.S. average. Of the 804 suicide deaths in Alabama, 711 were completed among the white population and the majority were male. In regards to youth, 104 youth and young adults aged 10-24 died by suicide with 58 of those deaths in young people aged 20-24. Additional facts are below.
Alabama had a higher rate of suicides Suicide rates for Alabama have been than homicides in 2019 (rates per consistently higher than the U.S. rates. 100,000 persons).
804 Deaths 587 Deaths
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 Suicide Homicide Rate 16.4 12.0 Alabama U.S. Source : American Association of Suicidology, 2021
Suicide rates in Alabama were highest in 2019 for those age 35-39 years (27.6 per 100,000) and 40-44 years (25.2 per 100,000).
27.6 25.2 25.1 23.6 23.0 21.5 21.2 20.8 18.0 19.0 19.3 16.6 17.2 13.1 11.5 3.2
Source : Alabama Center for Health Statistics, Suicide Summary (2019), 2021.
Suicide rates in Alabama are highest among white males but vary among age groups.
White male
White female
Black and
other male Rates per 100,000Ratespersons per
Black and other female
Source : Alabama Center for Health Statistics, Suicide Summary (2019), 2021. The majority of completed suicides in The majority of suicides in Alabama are completed Alabama are by the use of a firearm using firearms. This is true when categorized by (67.5%). males (70.3%) and females (57.5%). 80.0% Firearm 67.5% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% Hanging 21.6% 40.0% 30.0% Poisoning 7.3% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% All others 3.5% Male Female Firearm Hanging Poisoning All others
Myths and Facts About Suicide Myth #1: No one can stop a suicide. •Fact: If a young person gets the help they need, they are less likely to be suicidal again. Myth #2: Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide. •Fact: Asking about suicide lowers anxiety, opens up communication, and reduces the risk of impulsive acts. Myth #3: Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves. •Fact: Most suicidal people communicate their intent at some point near their attempt. Myth #4: Those who talk about suicide don't do it. •Fact: People who talk about suicide may try or even complete it. Myth #5: Once a person decides to complete suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. •Fact: Suicide is one of the most preventable kinds of death.
For more information, please visit:
Risk Factors for Suicide Alabama Department of Public Health: www.alabamapublichealth.gov
•Previous suicide attempt Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource •Current talk of suicide or making a plan Coalition: www.asparc.org •Social isolation American Association of Suicidology: •Alcohol or drug abuse www.suicidology.org •Giving away prized possessions
•Mental illness American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: •Recent attempt by friend or family member www.afsp.org •Depression •Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless CDC: •Strong wish to die or preoccupied with death https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/fast fact.html
TOLL FREE HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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