4. Suicidal behavior is not inherited, but the risk is higher for family members who have lost a close relative to suicide.
5. The suicide rate is higher for the elderly than any other age group.
6. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. Accidents are number one, but even some of these accidents could be suicides, such as single-car accidents.
7. Suicide claims the lives of at least 30,000 persons annually in the United States.
8. Five states have passed legislation providing for school suicide prevention programs. Federal legislation is still pending.
9. The incidence of suicide among young people has nearly tripled during the last three decades.
10. Three times as many men kill themselves as compared to women, yet three times as many women attempt suicide as compared to men.
11. More than 80% of people communicate their intent to kill themselves before they attempt to do so. They leave clues as to their distress and/or plans.
12. The American Association of Suicidology provides leadership for research, education, crisis intervention training, and standards for suicide prevention agencies. AAS publishes the professional journal,Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, quarterly. It also hold an annual conference to provide a forum for the presentation of recent research activities and current suicide prevention programs. |
