Teen Suicide Skyrockets during the Covid Lockdowns
According to an article by Very Well Mind, the American College Health Association reported that suicide rates tripled since 1950 among students ages 15-24. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that the 10th leading cause of death in the United States of America is suicide. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide claimed 47,500 lives in the United States of America. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stated 1.38 million individuals attempted suicide in the US.
A study of 67,000 college students, revealed that 1 in 5 students had suicidal thoughts, 9% of students attempted suicide, and 20% reported self-harm. Suicide rates among girls ages 15-19 doubled and suicide rates among boys 15-19 raised to 33%. The rapid increase in suicide rates among teens is concerning. There is a key difference in the method that males and females use in attempting suicide. Males tend to use extremely violent means like: firearms, hanging, hanging, jumping off buildings or in front of objects, cutting themselves, or inhaling vehicle exhaust. Women typically use non-violent means, as in licking poisoning and drowning themselves.
According to CNBC, in 2021 teen suicide rates skyrocketed during the lockdowns. Studies show that suicide related emergency room visits increased to 50% during the pandemic. Suicide rates among teen girls increased to 26.2 % and 25% of the adults surveyed said they experienced suicidal thoughts during 2020. During the pandemic, the lockdown produced mass isolation that caused individuals to suffer from depression and anxiety. Many people were cut off from their friends, family, and loved ones for an extended period of time. This led individuals across the board to feel hopeless and unfortunately take their own lives.
Suicide is tragic and it is never the solution to an individual’s problems. If you are having suicidal thoughts or know someone who might please share the links below. These resources could save a life and help someone in crisis.
The National Suicide Prevention hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Texas Suicide Prevention line:
Text “HOME” to 741741