Suicide Facts
Suicide Facts
Suicide is a
complex behavior usually caused by a combination of
factors. Research shows that almost all people who kill
themselves have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse
disorder or both, and that the majority have depressive
illness. Studies indicate that the most promising way
to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior is through the
early recognition and treatment of depression and other
psychiatric illnesses.
Most people who are depressed do not kill
themselves. Suicide is considered a possible
complication of depressive illness in combination with
other risk factors because suicidal thoughts and
behavior can be symptoms of moderate to severe
depression. These symptoms typically respond to proper
treatment, and usually can be avoided with early
intervention for depressive illness. Any concerns about
suicidal risk should always be taken seriously and
evaluated by a qualified professional immediately.
Suicide Risk Factors
It is important to note
that many people experience one or more risk factors and
are not suicidal.
· One
or more diagnosable mental or -Family violence,
including physical or sexual abuse
· substance
abuse disorder-Prior suicide attempt
· Impulsivity
-Firearm in the home
· Adverse
life events-Incarceration
· Family
history of mental or substance abuse
disorder-Exposure to the suicidal behavior of
others,
· Family
history of suicide including family, peers, or in
news or fiction stories
· Family
violence, including physical or sexual abuse
· Prior
suicide attempt
· Firearm
in the home
· Incarceration
· Exposure
to the suicidal behavior of others, including
family, peers, or in the news or fiction stories
How To
Help
It is not true that if a
person talks about suicide, they will not attempt it.
Seriously suicidal people make such comments for a
variety of reasons--it is extremely important to take
these remarks seriously and help that person seek a
mental health evaluation and treatment. A person in
crisis may not be aware that they are in need of help or
be able to seek it on their own. They may also need to
be reminded that effective treatment for depression is
available, and that many people can very quickly begin
to experience relief from depressive symptoms.
Prevention Programs
Studies have shown that the
suicide prevention programs most likely to succeed are
those with a broader focus on identification and
treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, coping
with stress, and controlling aggressive behaviors. All
suicide prevention programs first need to be tested for
efficacy and safety.
Suicide Statistics, U.S.,
1992
· More
men than women die by suicide, at a ratio of 4:1.
· More
women than men report a history of attempted
suicide, at a ratio of about 2:1.
· Firearms,
the most common method used by men and women,
account for 61% of all suicides.
· In
1993, the age adjusted suicide rate was
11.3/100,000, or 0.0113%. Only 1.4%of all deaths
were from suicide.
· the
highest suicide rates were among persons over age
65.
· in
white men over the age of 85, the rate was
73.6/100,000.
· in
the 20 to 24 year old age group the rate was
15.8/100,000.
· in
the 15 to 19 year old age group the rate was
10.9/100,000.
Last updated July 21, 1998(Intelihealth-NIMH)
Back to Top |
