Suicide

What is Suicide?
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Suicide occurs in mostly teenagers and older adults. The suicide completion rate is about four times higher in males than in females, while the rate of attempt is two to three times higher in females than in males. Completed suicide may be greater among males because of their tendency to utilize methods of more potential lethality. The rate of suicide also varies according to victims race. Highest are Native Americans and White. The suicide rate among African American males increased dramatically in the 1980’s and now approaches 80% of the white male suicide rate. Those at higher risk of committing suicide are those who have attempted suicide before, live alone, have never been married or are divorced and widowed, have chronic pain or terminal illness, are alcoholics or drug abusers, have a family history of suicide, are depressed, have little...