Third leading cause of death for 15-19 aged youngsters. Occurs most often in April and May or in late fall and early winter. Completers tend to be male by a ratio of 3 to 1. Two-thirds of these youngsters kill themselves with a gun. 19 adolescents each day, 5000-7000 young people each year end their own lives.
Depression is a common antecedent to suicide.
Drug overdose or poisoning is the leading cause of attempters. Firearms and explosives are the most common causes of death followed by hanging and poisoning. Saturday and Monday have been common days for suicidal acts to occur. For males and females, the motive is more likely to be tied up with interpersonal relationships and performance issues, such as pressure to succeed. Alaska and Nevada have the highest documented suicide rate.