A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that 1 in 15 adults in Utah had serious thoughts of suicide between 2008 and 2009, and 1 in 67 adults in Rhode Island attempted it. Over 1 million adults attempted suicide between 2008 and 2009.
"Suicide is a tragedy for individuals, families and communities. This report highlights that we have opportunities to intervene before someone dies by suicide. We can identify risks and take action before a suicide attempt takes place," said Thomas M. Frieden, CDC director, in a statement. "Most people are uncomfortable talking about suicide, but this is not a problem to shroud in secrecy. We need to work together to raise awareness about suicide and learn more about interventions that work to prevent this public health problem."
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health looked at suicide attempts and thoughts about suicide rather than actual suicides, and found that people in the Midwest and West were more likely to have thoughts of suicide than those in the Northeast and South. Midwesterners were also more likely to have made plans to carry out a suicide than those in the South.
Of all U.S. states, Delaware and Georgia fared best in the survey, with less than one-tenth of a percent of adults attempting suicide. Young adults and women were more likely to have suicidal thoughts, plan suicide and attempt suicide than older adults and men, according to the survey.
The full report is available from the CDC.
