In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 most suicidal states in America. If you want our detailed analysis of global suicide statistics, suicide rates in the U.S., financial cost of suicide and biotech companies working to treat mental heath issues, head to 15 Most Suicidal States in America.
5. South Dakota
Suicide Mortality Rate in 2021: 23.2
Over the last 10 years, the number of deaths by suicide in South Dakota have increased by over 50%, from 135 in 2012, to 203 in 2021. Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the state and the leading cause among people aged 10-29 years, revealing a disturbing trend. A new program has been launched this spring, offering training to faith leaders, in order to reduce suicide rates among farming communities.
4. New Mexico
Suicide Mortality Rate in 2021: 25
New Mexico saw a rise of 3.3% in its suicide mortality rate since 2020. A total of 533 people died by suicide in 2021 in the state. Suicides rates in New Mexico are three times higher among males than females and highest among Caucasians and Indigenous people, making it one of most suicidal states in the US.
3. Alaska
Suicide Mortality Rate in 2021: 30.8
As reported by USAToday, 17 soldiers died by suicide in Alaska in 2021, including 8 over months late in the year, when winter descended, daylight shortened and despair deepened. This led the military to introduce mandatory annual counseling sessions for its 11,500 soldiers in the state. The relatively high cost of living, alcohol abuse, sleeping disorders and long, dark winters in the Land of the Midnight Sun also contribute to mental health struggles. Deaths by suicide in Alaska amounted to 220 in 2021.
2. Montana
Suicide Mortality Rate in 2021: 32
The state of Montana witnessed a staggering increase of 22.6% in its suicide mortality rate from 2020, when it was at 26.1. Suicide is currently the eighth leading cause of death in Montana. According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, social isolation, Vitamin-D deficiency and altitude are some of the major causes of a high suicide rate in the state. Metabolic stress caused by long-term oxygen deprivation can disrupt mental health. Worldwide, the number of suicides tend to increase at over 2,500 feet, while in Montana, an average suicide occurs at 3,500 feet.
1. Wyoming
Suicide Mortality Rate in 2021: 32.3
Wyoming was the most suicidal state in America also in the year 2020, but back then it had a suicide rate of 30.5, hence witnessing an increase of 5.9% in 2021. The Wyoming Department of Health has reported that 75% of suicides in Wyoming involve a firearm. Men are most likely to use firearms while women are most likely to die by hanging. Wyoming’s isolated communities, it’s ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ attitudes and high gun ownership are some of the major causes for its highest suicide mortality rate in America.
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