Women are 2 times as likely as men to attempt suicide. Suicide is not just a problem of the young. The highest suicide rate is in people over age 65. People with major depression and bipolar illness account for 50 percent of completed suicides. People with alcohol and drug abuse problems account for another 25 percent of completed suicides.
Most suicides give some signals ahead of time.
Adults or teens may try to get their affairs in order or give away possessions. Some children who are thinking of suicide may give away all their toys. Do not forget that small children commit suicide, too. Children as young as age three have been known to intentionally commit suicide. Talk to the suicidal person, to the family, or to your local suicide crisis hot line.