The stigma associated with suicide contributes to its underreporting as well. National Stats Suicide is considered to be the second leading cause of death of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in the west. The fastest growing age group attempting suicide are children between the ages of 10 and 14. In 1998 our nation lost a young life to suicide every 1 hour and 57 minutes. For every completion, between 100 and 200 unsuccessful attempts by a young person are made.
Males are more likely to complete suicide while females are more likely to attempt.
Suicide rates are increasing among older adults making suicide the leading fatal injury among elderly Californians. In 1996, California lost 207 young people to suicide with an estimation of 20,000 additional attempts. The American Association of Suicidology conservatively estimates that the lives of at least 6 people related to or connected to individuals who attempt or complete suicide are impacted. Using these estimates, in 1998 more than 600,000 Californians struggled to cope with the impact of suicide. The public and private schools in the County, which have the most contact with youth who may be contemplating suicide, would be the most effective agents to ensure that youth and their families are informed of available suicide prevention and postvention services.