Suicide: Warning Signs and Treatment
It is reported that suicide, the act of deliberately ending one’s
own life, is a cause of death for about 30,000 people (including 5,000 between
the ages of 15 to 24 years old) each year in the United States. Since many
suicides are not reported as such, the actual number is most likely much higher.
Suicide goes unreported because of its stigma or because family members find it
too painful to confront the truth.
The rate of suicide in
this country is about 12 per 100,000 people, making it the ninth leading cause
of death in the United States during the years from 1993 to 1995. According to
the American Association of Suicidology (which studies suicide and its
prevention), there are between eight and 20 attempts at suicide for each death
from suicide. This means that there are anywhere from 240,000 to 600,000 suicide
attempts each year. This rate jumps to 200 attempts for every completed suicide
when young people (ages 15 to 24) are involved.
Other Facts about Suicide
• In the U.S., Nevada has the highest rate of suicide.
• More suicides happen in the spring than at other times of the
year.
• The most lethal days of the week are Monday and Friday.
• Rich people and poor people alike kill themselves. Suicide is
an equal-opportunity killer, and is chosen by people from every group
imaginable. The most common victims are white males aged 65 and older.
• More men than women kill themselves, but women are more likely
to attempt suicide.
• 60% of people who commit suicide do so with guns.
Continued in Part 2 |
