Suicide and Depression

The disease of depression, which is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, distorts logic, crushed self esteem, and robs a person energy and resilience.

The deeper the depression, the more the personality is distorted. According to the research depression has increased 10 fold in the United States since World War II.

Approximately 1 of 10 American experiences a major depression in the lifetime and 15% of those who go untreated attempt suicide.

Suicide intent defined as the intensity of the wish to die at the time of the act.

Every 17.3 minutes someone commits suicide in the United States. More American die of suicide than are victim of homicide.

Although most people who become depressed do no commit suicide, depression can be lethal illness.

The suicide risk in people with severe depression ranges between 15 and 30 percent, with approximately seven suicide attempts for every successful suicide.

Across cultures, the suicide rate for men is four times higher than for women during younger adulthood and it is even greater after the age of 75 years.

Common methods of suicide include gunshot wound to the head or chest, overdose of over the counter or prescription medication, overdose of street drugs, laceration of neck or wrists with a sharp object such as razor blade or a knife or broken glass, asphyxiation by hanging or from the breathing of toxic gas such as a natural gas or carbon monoxide.

In most countries ,men have a higher rate of completed suicide whereas women have a higher rate of attempted suicide.
Suicide and Depression