Data on Suicide and Self Harm

Data Reports Now A​​vailable

• ​Older Adult Suicide in California, 2019 (PDF)
• ​​California Suicide and Self Harm Trends in 2020 (PDF, 1.25MB) | Updated 2/21/2021
  
• PowerPoint: Suicide and Self-Harm Emergency Department Visit​​ Trends in California (PDF) | Updated  2/21/2021
  
• Fact Sheet: Suicide in California, 2020 ​(PDF)
  
• Infographic: Suicide in ​California, 2020 (PDF)
  
• Injury Data Brief: Suicide Death among Veterans in California, 2020 (PDF) 
  
• Preliminary Monthly Statewide Violence-Related Death Counts, 2022​ (PDF)
  

Surveillance of suicide is done using vital statistics data. The most up-to-date data tables for violence-related causes of death, including suicide, can be found here: Preliminary Monthly Statewide Violence-Related Death Counts (PDF). These data show monthly counts of deaths using preliminary vital statistics data and are updated quarterly. The data are considered preliminary/provisional and can be changed in the future as causes of death are confirmed.  Under typical circumstances, it may take several months for a death to be confirmed as suicide.  Entities that complete death certificates and determine the cause of death (e.g., coroners and medical examiners) may also be currently experiencing backlogs which can delay determination of the cause of death. Death data can take a full year to be finalized, and the most current final vital statistics data are available on the EpiCenter Dashboard.

Although IVPB does not directly monitor mental health across the state, data on adult/teen perceived need, access, and use of mental health services and overall mental health status can be found within the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).​​

S​uicide Rates by County

Age-Adjusted Suicide Rate by County in California, 2018–2020.

The overall suicide rate in California is 10.5, the highest county rate is in Shasta County (24.9) and the lowest rate is in Imperial County (5.8). 

Note: Significantly above the state rate (*p< 0.05, **p< 0.001). Significantly below the state rate (†p< 0.05, ‡p< 0.001). The confidence interval (CI) provides information on the precision of the rates being shown. Estimates with wide confidence intervals are less stable and should be interpreted with caution, especially when comparing the estimate to another group or over time. The total number of suicides listed for California 2018–2020 has been updated as of 6/10/22. Sources: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Statistics Death Files (2018–2020); Department of Finance P-3 Population Projection File (2010–2060).

 Other Violence-Related Reports and Resources

Office of Suicide Pre​vention Social Media Shareables

These shareables have been created and optimized for posting on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. You may feel free to share them on your social media, websites, emails, and more. Please join us in raising awareness around suicide and suicide prevention.

Preview	​Publication
	​Talking openly and directly (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​Identify risk (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	Communicate openly (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​Support from family and friends (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​Friendship Line California (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Older Adults, Friendship Line California  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	4,140 California suicides in 2020 (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​California young adults (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Young Adults, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​California youth and young adult females (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, Young Adults, Females, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	California youth (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, Young Adults, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	​California youth who are Black (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	Youth and young adult distress (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, Young Adults, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
​	California youth 2020 suicide rates (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)
	LGBTQ+ you​th (JPG) Version: Series 1| Type: Social Media Shareables Keywords: Youth, LGBTQ+, 988  Facebook (JPG) Instagram (JPG) Twitter (JPG)