State Estimates of Past Year Serious Thoughts of Suicide among Young Adults: 2013 and 2014

Excerpt

Background: Young adults aged 18 to 25 are at high risk of serious thoughts of suicide and behavior than many other age groups. Because states have been at the center of efforts to reduce suicide for all age groups, including young adults, it is useful to monitor changes in suicide ideation at the state level among this age group. Method: Combined 2013-2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were analyzed to estimate annual averages of past year serious thoughts of suicide among young adults aged 18 to 25 by state. Moreover, to examine changes by state over time, annual averages based on the 2012-2013 NSDUH were compared with those in 2013-2014. Results: Based on combined 2013–2014 NSDUH data, 2.6 million young adults aged 18 to 25 in the United States had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Findings in this report suggest that rates of serious thoughts of suicide have remained largely stable in recent years. The prevalence of past year serious thoughts of suicide remained unchanged in 49 states and the District of Columbia; however, the prevalence increased in New Hampshire. Conclusion: Highlighting the prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide among young adults in each state, as well as monitoring changes, may help policymakers continue to raise awareness about suicide prevention efforts.