Suicide rates in the States are lowest in winter and highest in the Spring (CDC 1985, McCleary et al. 1991, Warren et al. 1983). 30,622 killed themselves in 2001 (CDC 2004). In 2001, 55% of suicides were committed with a firearm (Anderson and Smith 2003). Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all U.S. men (Anderson and Smith 2003). Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females (CDC 2004). Suicide rates are highest among whites and second highest among American Indian and Native Alaskan men (CDC 2004). Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as often as men (Krug et al. 2002). Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24 (Anderson and Smith 2003). Of the total number of youth (ages 15-24) suicides, 86% were male, 14% were female (Anderson and Smith 2003). Suicide rates increase with age and are very high among those 65 years and older. Most elderly suicide victims are seen by their primary care provider a few weeks prior to their suicide attempt and are diagnosed with their first episode of mild to moderate depression (DHSS 1999). Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic group (NIMH). Depression saps energy and self-esteem and thus interferes with a person’s ability or desire to get help (NIMH). More people die from suicide than homicide (SAVE). 80% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully (SAVE). In 1998, an average of 84 suicides occurred each day (CDC). Every 17 minutes someone in the Unites States takes their life (CDC). Disclaimer: The diagnosis and treatment of a mental illness requires a trained medical professional. Information contained in this website may or may not reflect the opinions of Stop the Stigma and its Board of Directors, and is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional if you or someone you know may be depressed or suicidal.