19 SUICIDES IN 2016

OC TEEN SUICIDES INCREASED FROM 7 IN 2007 TO 19 IN 2016

There is an existing, yet complicated relationship between suicide and self-harm. Many who engage in self-harm do not have the intention to self-kill and many who die by suicide have no history of self-harming behavior. However, research connecting self-harm injuries to suicide and suicide attempts identifies self-harm as an important risk factor for suicide and a reason to examine self-harm among youth. Over the past decade in Orange County, teens aged ten to 19 years have experienced an approximate increase of over 25% in the number and rate of Emergency Department visits for self-harm injuries. Between schools, and their community is large. This exploration in overlaying data demonstrates where the impact may be greatest and identifies other potentially influential factors at play. It may raise further questions and fall short of conclusive findings, but it can be used to highlight areas for further investigation. By working to understand this complex story, Orange County can begin to identify and further support strategies to minimize the overall impact on children and families.