According to a Lifeway Research online survey, 77% of Americans believe suicide has become an epidemic in the United States.
The numbers appear to back up their assessment.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States in 2020, which amounts to one death every 11 minutes. Additionally, 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide in 2020.
And the number of Americans who have a friend or family member who committed suicide has increased slightly since 2014 – from 36% to 39%.
More on the findings of the survey – those who have been impacted by the loss of a friend or family member by suicide are more likely to see suicide as an epidemic.
Females are more likely than males to say they have a friend or relative who has committed suicide and to say suicide is an epidemic.
The survey also looked at the theological consequences of taking your own life. Few believe that people who commit suicide are selfish or are automatically going to hell.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research said, “Jesus taught that each person should love their neighbors as God loves each of us. Each person has value and purpose because they are loved by God and others. When each life matters individually and to the community, voluntarily removing any life is tragic.”
In 2008, September was declared National Suicide Prevention Month in the US.