Suicide in South Carolina

South Carolina

Suicide is a troubling public health issue that leaves a lasting impact on families and communities. Between 2000 and 2022, the suicide rate in the United States increased by 36%. In 2022, 12.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million made a plan and 1.6 million attempted suicide. More than half of all suicides involved firearms in 2022, and there were almost twice as many suicide deaths as homicide deaths.

When someone dies by suicide, as with any cause of death, the loss is felt by many people. The ripples of loss spread from close family and friends to community members, acquaintances and even people the deceased did not know. All of those exposed to the loss may experience different levels of grief and trauma. 

Mental health and substance use disorders are the most significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors. In addition, environmental factors such as stressful life events and access to lethal means, such as firearms or drugs, may increase the risk of suicide. Previous suicide attempts and a family history of suicide are also notable risk factors. 

Between 2015 and 2020, the economic burden of suicide in the U.S. averaged $484 billlion annually.

According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, the rate of suicide is higher among: 

• Males compared with females.
• American Indian/Alaska Native populations, which have a rate nearly four times higher than Asian populations.
• Adults age 85 and older compared with adults of other age groups. Those ages 15-24 had the lowest rate.

Additional research has found that rate of suicide is also higher among:

• Veterans.
• Those living in rural areas.
• LGBTQ adults and youth.
• Those living in counties with lower levels of health insurance coverage, broadband internet access and household income.
• Those who work in construction and extraction, as well as farming, fishing and forestry.

Strategies to reduce suicide include:

• Universal screening at emergency rooms to identify patients at higher risk of suicide.
• Safety planning at emergency rooms to assist patients with suicidal behaviors by providing them with a prioritized list of evidence-based coping strategies and sources of support.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and manage suicidal ideation and attempts. 
• Reducing access to lethal means such as firearms, lethal doses of medications and alcohol. Studies over the past two decades show a strong association between household firearm ownership and increased suicide rates. At the community level, the Gun Shop Project provides educational materials on firearm suicide prevention and builds partnerships between public health experts and firearms retailers, instructors and customers. 
• Devoting resources to the 10 public health domains of suicide prevention outlined in The State of State, Territorial, and Tribal Suicide Prevention report.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has detailed information on implementing effective suicide prevention in schools, universities, emergency departments, American Indian/Alaska Native communities and other organizations that serve populations with high suicide risk. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support for people in distress 24/7 anywhere in the United States. Their website offers additional forms of crisis support, and the previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK(8255)) is still active and usable.

Reducing the suicide rate is a leading health indicator for Healthy People 2030.

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