Suicidal Ideation and Behavior

Suicide represents a global public health crisis. In 2012, suicide accounted for 1.4% of all deaths globally, making it the 15th leading cause of death according to data from the World Health Organization. In 2014, suicide was one of the leading causes of death among individuals from ages 10 years to 75+ years in the United States according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. Across all age ranges, it is estimated that for every completed suicide, there are roughly 100–200 suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation is even more common than attempts. The term suicide refers to death by self-inflicted injury. The term suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about ending one’s life. Suicidal ideation can include thoughts about death and dying, plans for suicide, and ...