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Suicide

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Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are almost four times more likely than women to die by suicide. One reason is that men are more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms — when they set out to take their own lives.

The reasons some people want to take their own lives are complex. We do know that many people who die by suicide have a mental illness, usually depression, a substance use problem, or both. Treating mental illness and substance abuse can lower the risk of suicide. Men get treatment less often than women, though. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help.

Many factors can work together to lead a person to suicide. Some factors that may increase a person's risk of suicide include:

• Age. Suicide rates for men are highest among those 75 and older. Also, older men are much more likely to commit suicide than older women.
• A major loss. These can range from losing a loved one, like your wife, to losing your freedom, like being sent to prison.
• Social isolation. Those who kill themselves often live alone and have little contact with others.
• Family history of suicide. A personal history of attempted suicide is a risk factor too.
• Family violence. This includes being a victim of physical or sexual abuse.
• Unemployment. Research shows that suicide rates increase during times of wide unemployment, especially among working-age men.
• Being around someone else who attempts suicide. Having a friend or family member who dies by suicide can increase a person's risk.

Suicide attempts are not harmless bids for attention. A person who seems suicidal should not be left alone and needs immediate mental health treatment. You can contact a mental health provider, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call 911.

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More information on suicide

Explore other publications and websites

• Male Depression: Understanding the Issues (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This website can help men recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. It discusses related issues, including suicide, and gives information on how to cope with depression.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041
• Men and Depression — This publication discusses the types of depression common in men, symptoms of depression and mania, causes of depression, depression in elderly men, depression in boys and adolescent males, suicide, diagnosis, treatment, and how to find help and support.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/complete-index.shtml
• Men and Depression (Copyright © Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) — This publication provides information specific to men about depression, including its symptoms and treatment. It also lists questions to ask when talking to your doctor.
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_publications_men
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When It Seems Like There Is No Hope, There Is Help — This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.
  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/App_Files/Media/PDF/NSPL_Consumer_Brochure_1-30-06.pdf
• Setting Goals for Recovery (Copyright © Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) — This publication presents a number of options to treat depression, varying from medications to hospitalization. This resource can also help those with depression create a goal setting plan.
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_depression_goalsetting
• Suicide Prevention — This publication offers links to other resources on suicide prevention. You can find information on where to get help, statistics, and other publications.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
• Suicide: Facts at a Glance — This fact sheet provides statistics on suicide prevalence in the United States. It looks at the differences among gender, race, and age.
  http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Suicide-DataSheet-a.pdf
• Your Head: An Owner's Manual: Understanding and Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (Copyright © Men's Health Network) — This manual provides men of all ages with information about mental health issues, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also offers practical ideas that can make a difference in men’s lives.
  http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/ownersmanual.pdf

Connect with other organizations

• American Association of Suicidology
  http://www.suicidology.org/
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
• National Institute of Mental Health Information Center, NIH
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/index.cfm
• National Runaway Switchboard Hotline
  http://www.1800runaway.org/
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
  http://www.sprc.org/

Content last updated January 10, 2011.

Resources last updated January 10, 2011.

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