Suicide Stats

Suicide Statistics :

Most popular press articles suggest a link between the winter holidays and suicides. However, this claim is just a myth. In fact, suicide rates in the United States are lowest in the winter and highest in the spring. Suicide took the lives of 30,622 people in 2001. Suicide rates are generally higher than the national average in the western states and lower in the eastern and Midwestern states. In 2002, 132,353 individuals were hospitalized following suicide attempts; 116,639 were treated in emergency departments and released. In 2001, 55% of suicides were committed with a firearm

People at Risk :

Males -

Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all U.S. men Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females. Suicide rates are highest among Whites and second highest among American Indian and Native Alaskan men. Of the 24,672 suicide deaths reported among men in 2001, 60% involved the use of a firearm.

Females -

Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as often as men.

Youth -

The overall rate of suicide among youth has declined slowly since 1992. However, rates still remain high. Adolescents often experience stress, confusion, and depression from situations occurring in their families, schools, and communities. These feelings can overwhelm young people and lead them to suicide as a "solution." Few schools and communities have suicide prevention plans. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2001, 3,971 suicides were reported in this group. Of the total number of suicides among ages 15 to 24 in 2001, 86% were male and 14% were female. American Indian and Alaskan Natives have the highest rate of suicide in the 15 to 24 age group. In 2001, firearms were used in 54% of youth suicides.

The Elderly -

Suicide rates increase with age and are very high among those 65 years and older. Most elderly suicide victims are seen by their primary care provider a few weeks prior to their suicide attempt and diagnosed with their first episode of mild to moderate depression . Older adults who are suicidal are also more