Suicide in Tarrant County

Common Terms

It is considered suicide when someone intentionally harms themselves with the purpose of ending their life.

A suicide attempt is when someone intentionally harms themselves with the purpose of ending their life, but their actions do not result in death. Suicide attempts may or may not result in injuries.

Non-suicidal self-harm/self-directed violence is when someone intentionally harms themselves, but they do not intend to end their life. These actions are often used as coping mechanisms during emotional distress.

Local Stats

• In 2017, intentional self-harm (suicide) was the 9th leading cause of death among Tarrant County residents.
• In 2017, there were 257 suicides among Tarrant County residents.
• The suicide rate in 2016 was significantly higher compared to 2009.
• From 2015-2017, July had the most suicides among Tarrant County residents, followed by March, April and May. December has one of the lowest rates of suicide.
• Among Tarrant County residents, suicide rates were highest among non-Hispanic whites, males, and those aged 65 years and older.

Among Texas high school students in 2017:

• A significantly higher percentage of female students reported they seriously considered attempting suicide (21.7%) and made a plan about how they would attempt suicide in the last 12 months (18.1%) compared to male students (13.3% and 10.8%).
• A significantly higher percentage of gay, lesbian, or bisexual students reported they seriously considered attempting suicide (42.4%), made a plan about how they would attempt suicide (29.2%), and attempted suicide one or more times in the last 12 months (28.3%) compared to heterosexual/straight students (13.5%, 12.4%, and 9.6%).

Learn to Recognize Suicide Warning Signs and Actions

Increased alcohol or drug use, risk-taking behaviors, researching ideas for suicide, self-isolation, sleeping more or not enough, saying "goodbye" to loved ones, giving away personal items, making a will, or acting out.

Mood: depressed, anxious, humiliated, angry, apathy, disinterest, or sudden relief

They may talk about: killing themselves, feelings of hopelessness, having no reason to live, feeling like they are a burden to others, feelings of being trapped, or being in pain or unhappy.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, talk to someone about it!

Actions you can take:

Print for Reference

Data Brief: Suicide in Tarrant County