Relevant Statistics

Suicide claims the lives of over 2,000 Pennsylvanians each year (according to the latest statistics) – an average of five (5) lives each day. It is estimated that each suicide directly and intimately affects six people. Therefore, at least 12,000 Pennsylvanians become survivors of suicide each year who have lost a loved one, friend, co-worker, or classmate, or someone in the community to suicide. National Statistics – According to the latest statistics by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 47,000 died by suicide in the United States. Suicide is currently the 10th leading cause of death. A suicide happens every 11.1 minutes which is the equivalent of 129 people  who die every day. There are over 1,000,000 attempts each year. What we do know is that suicide affects ALL ages, races, genders, sexuality, denominations, incomes and educational levels…suicide can affect anyone and everyone. We also know that ONE SUICIDE IS TOO MANY. Experts agree that clinical depression is one of the biggest risk factors for suicidal thoughts. Depression can be treated with medicine, counseling, or a combination of the two. Approximately 80% of the people who seek help for their depression improve their treatment. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral and interpersonal (talk) therapy can help with depression. There are many medications now available, or a combination of both medication and therapy can prove to be very effective in treating depression. Remember that if one medication doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean they all won’t work. Often times a person has to go through a period of trial and error to find the treatment that works best for them.