Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, with more than 700,000 deaths by suicide reported each year.(1) In North America, 75% of all suicide deaths are men(2). In 2019, the US reported nearly three times more deaths by suicide than by homicide.(3) Yet, despite being a global health issue, suicide remains a topic we often avoid talking about. Suicide often goes unreported due to the fear that its mention will lead others to do the same.
This is a valid concern, as it’s important to not sensationalize or share the details of how someone died by suicide. However, concealing the issue of suicide in public conversations can evoke a sense of shame for those people who have suicidal thoughts, which can serve as a barrier to them
