This page shares data to help communities understand the scale of loss and to support remembrance and action.
If you’ve lost a child to suicide, you are not alone. If you are in immediate crisis, please contact 988 in the U.S. for 24/7 crisis support. For resources and support groups, please visit our Support page.
Every year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, communities around the world gather to observe International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — a day for families and friends to find connection, understanding, and hope after the death of a loved one to suicide.
For parents who have lost a child, this day is a reminder that you are not alone — and that remembrance and advocacy can help others find healing and hope.
Suicide remains a major cause of death among children, adolescents, and young adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS):
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–14 and 20–34.
It is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15–19.
Between 2007 and 2021, suicide deaths among individuals aged 10–24 increased substantially across nearly every demographic group.
Rates remain highest among males, though increases among females have been proportionally larger in the last decade.
Firearms are the most common method of suicide in this age group, followed by suffocation and poisoning.
Worldwide, suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
Nearly 727,000 people died by suicide in 2021.
Suicide ranks among the top three causes of death for individuals aged 15–29 globally.
More than two-thirds of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
While global suicide rates declined slightly between 2000 and 2019, several regions (including the Americas) have seen rising rates among young people.
The CDC’s long-term data reveal several key trends:
Steady Rise (2001–2018): Suicide rates among youth nearly tripled for the 10–14 age group between 2007 and 2018. For those aged 15–24, rates rose by approximately 57% over the same period.
Short-Term Dip (2019–2020): There was a modest decline in 2019–2020, possibly linked to temporary behavioral changes during early COVID-19 restrictions.
Renewed Increase (2021–2022): Rates rose again in 2021, returning to levels close to their historic highs. Preliminary 2022 data suggest the trend remains elevated, underscoring a continuing public health challenge.
Geographic Variations: States in the Mountain West and parts of the Midwest historically report higher suicide rates, while rates are lower in the Northeast and some coastal regions. Access to lethal means, availability of mental health services, and community connectedness all influence these differences.
While the numbers reflect loss on a large scale, each data point represents an irreplaceable life — a child, sibling, or friend deeply loved and missed. For parents and families, these statistics provide context, not comparison. They remind us that prevention and remembrance must go hand in hand.
Rising youth suicide rates point to urgent needs for early intervention, mental health education, and access to care.
Regional variations highlight the impact of community support, resource distribution, and social connection.
Global patterns show that suicide prevention must be culturally sensitive, age-specific, and sustained.