McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2

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. There is an alarming increase in the number of children and adolescents committing suicide. The rate of teenage males committing suicide has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Women purposely injure themselves three to four times more often than men. However, men kill themselves three to four times more often than women.

Those at higher risk for committing suicide:

• have attempted suicide before
• live alone
• have never been married or are divorced or widowed
• have chronic pain or a terminal illness
• are alcoholics or drug abusers
• have a family history of suicide
• are depressed
• have little or no social support
• have recently lost a loved one
• are a teenage male or male over 75 years of age
• are gay or bisexual
• are Native American or white
• have a mental illness such as schizophrenia
• are unemployed.

The group with the highest risk for suicide is elderly white males. An elderly person attempting suicide is much more likely to be successful than a younger person.

Why do people commit suicide?

In 90% of cases relating to suicide there is a psychiatric disorder such as depression, alcohol or drug abuse, schizophrenia, or antisocial personality disorder. Often a person considering suicide feels a sense of complete hopelessness, helplessness, grief, and loss.

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness may also stem from having a terminal or chronic illness accompanied by physical pain, financial strain, or episodes of depression. Grief and loss may be experienced because of a spouse's death or the death of a child or sibling or because of role and lifestyle changes, such as retirement or poor health.

What are the methods used?

The most common method used to commit suicide is poisoning, usually from an overdose of sleeping pills, sometimes taken with alcohol. Inhaling car exhaust fumes is another method often used. Men use violent methods such as shooting themselves more often than women.

How can I help prevent a suicide from occurring?

Often a person leaves clues that he or she is going to commit suicide. If someone ever tells you he or she is planning to commit suicide, take it seriously. It is a myth that significant clues are left only by those who fake suicide or injure themselves on purpose just to get attention. A person planning to commit suicide may leave clues as a call for help.

A person considering suicide may:

• communicate the intent to commit suicide or talk about wanting to die or being better off dead, even jokingly
• write a will
• act depressed (sad, crying)
• drink alcohol excessively or use drugs
• write a suicide note
• give away treasured items
• seem preoccupied with themes of death
• show unusual neglect of appearance
• exhibit noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits
• withdraw from family and friends
• show sudden changes in behavior (moody, irritable, violent, rebellious, or withdrawn)
• select a method and a place to commit suicide
• suddenly become very religious or, if previously devout, may suddenly shun religion.

Suicide is preventable in many cases. Asking someone about suicidal thoughts does not put the idea of suicide in his or her head. In fact, do not avoid talking about the subject. It can be a relief for someone thinking of suicide to talk about it.

If a person gives any suicidal clues, consult a psychiatrist or family doctor immediately. Remove any means of suicide and avoid leaving the person alone. It is important to realize that in most cases the person is behaving in an unhealthy manner. Hospitalization and treatment for a psychiatric illness may be necessary until the risk of committing suicide has passed.

Of the people who attempt suicide unsuccessfully, 20% to 30% try it again within the next year.

What are the effects of suicide on others?

Losing a loved one to suicide is a very different type of loss and creates emotions and feelings different from other losses. Family members may blame each other or themselves and will often go through a phase of disbelief, a disorganization phase, and a reorganization phase.

Doctors and therapists usually try to provide psychological first aid to loved ones immediately after the loss. Later on, therapy is provided to those who need it for support for and reorganization of their family structure and social network, and for their own psychological well-being. There are many resources available to those who have suffered a loss through suicide. Contact organizations such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. They can provide information, education, and access to support groups. NAMI's toll-free help line number is 800/950-NAMI, or 800/950-6264.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.