More than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022, marking the highest number of suicides in recorded history since at least 1941. Additionally, 13.2 million people seriously considered suicide, 3.8 million planned it, and 1.6 million attempted suicide. Despite a decline in rates among 10- to 24-year-olds, the United States still faces significant challenges with high rates of suicidal attempts, particularly involving firearms. Suicide remains a global issue, with over 720,000 deaths each year, making it the third leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. It is crucial for parents to have conversations about suicide with their teenage children, just as they discuss topics like sex and drugs. Understanding warning signs and risk factors can help lower the risk of suicide, and adopting compassionate language when discussing suicide can improve empathy and strategies for prevention.
