NYC Suicide Death Rate Remained Flat In Pandemic: Data

NEW YORK CITY — A tragic number — 542 — of New Yorkers took their own lives in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the city.

But the suicide death rate stood almost identical to the prior year, according to a provisional new study released by the city's health department.

In 2019, 541 New Yorkers took their own lives, the study reported.

“New Yorkers have faced overwhelming trauma during this pandemic,” said Dave Chokshi, the city's health commissioner, in a statement. “Remember that you never need to manage these feelings alone. There is support available to you — reach out to NYC Well to connect with a counselor and learn about services that may be helpful to you.”

Every 16 hours a New Yorker takes their own life and suicide is the sixth leading cause of early mortality in the city, according to the study.

New York City's overall suicide death rate is about half the national average, according to another study.

The city offers mental health help, trained counselors and Mobile Crisis Teams through NYC Well. People can get free, 24/7 support in over 200 languages by calling 888-NYC-WELL, texting “WELL” to 65173 or chatting online at nyc.gov/nycwell.