Aug 20, 2020   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

New Statistics Released On Suicidal Behavior In Youth

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jason Foundation, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide awareness and prevention, shared the announcement today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the results of the 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System (YRBSS). The YRBSS is a survey, conducted by the CDC, that includes national, state, and local school-based representative samples of 9th through 12th grade students. The purpose is to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth in the United States. The surveys are conducted every two years to determine the prevalence of these health risk behaviors. Behaviors that contribute to unhealthy lifestyles and those that indicate possible depression and/or suicidal ideation are included.

Currently, suicide is the 2(nd) leading cause of death for high school aged youth, as well as for youth ages 10 - 24. The four questions below are included in the YRBSS and relate to suicidal thinking. The national statistics are provided.

    1. Have you experienced the feeling of hopelessness and sadness for a
       constant period of two weeks or greater during the past twelve months
       (possible beginning of clinical depression)?36.7% answered YES or over 1
       out of every 3 young people

    2. Have you seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months?18.8%
       answered YES or almost 1 out of every 5 young people.

    3. Have you made a plan to attempt suicide in the past twelve months?15.7%
       answered YES or almost 1 out of every 6 young people.

    4. Have you attempted suicide in the past twelve months?8.9% answered YES or
       almost 1 out of every 11 young people.

Click here to see the full report that includes a state by state breakdown.

The Jason Foundation provides programs for youth, parents, educators, and the community to help recognize when a young person may be struggling with thoughts of suicide and how to assist them. All programs and materials are available at no cost to the public. The Jason Foundation has over 125 Affiliate Offices across the country which service all 50 states. For more information or to find your local Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, visit their website. www.jasonfoundation.com

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SOURCE The Jason Foundation, Inc.