Suicide Prevention Data

Sharing accurate data can be an important part of public health campaigns. Suicide prevention professionals often use data to help tell a story of how important suicide prevention is to the health of our communities and families. It is never the intention to make our communities feel hopeless about the problem of suicide, but rather to help people know they are not alone and that suicide can be prevented. Here is a snapshot of what is happening related to suicide in Kansas.

The Kansas Communities that Care Survey is an annual collection of responses from 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th graders. More information can be found on the KCTC website.

  • The number of middle and high school students who report feeling depressed has been steadily increasing for the last 5 years. In January 2020, 33.7% reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
  • Depression is one mental health condition that can make someone at risk of suicide. However, it is important to note that not everyone who experiences depression thinks about suicide, and not all people who suicide are experiencing depression.
  • The same survey found that in 2020, 5.24% of middle and high school students attempted suicide while 5% made suicide plans, and 18.1% had serious thoughts of suicide.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tracks data related to suicide deaths each year. More information can be found on the KDHE Website.

  • In 2018, there were 9 suicides by children under 15, and 101 suicides for adolescents aged 15-24
  • In 2019, there were 6 suicides by children under 15, and 83 suicides for adolescents aged 15-24


Additional Data Sources:

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line; Text “Kansas” to 741 741
Local resources: