The World Health Organization (WHO) released a study in early September that shows global suicide statistics.
Some of the findings:
- Countries with predominantly poor and middle-income people have the highest suicide rates. 75 percent of suicides are from these countries.
- Some developed countries fare worse than others. Germany and the U.K., for example, suffer higher suicide rates than the U.S., Australia, and much of Europe.
- Guyana has the highest suicide rate — 44.2 people out of every 100,000 commit suicide.
- South Korea has the third highest suicide rate — 28.9 people out of every 100,000 commit suicide.
- More men than women die from suicide.
- Men over age 50 are particularly vulnerable.
- More than 800,000 people worldwide commit suicide every year.
- The U.S. is about average worldwide. Our rates are between 1 and 14.9 per 100,000, which is about the same as Spain, Australia, and most other European countries.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death globally for people in the age group of 15 to 29.
- Pesticide poisoning, hanging, and firearms are the most common methods of suicide.
- Studies in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the U.S., and Europe show that restricting access to these methods of suicide helps to stop people from killing themselves.
Below is a video from CNN World that discusses the findings. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
