In reality, however, it is a national crisis resulting in 32,000 deaths in the U.S. in 1994, and 110,000 hospitalizations for suicide attempts. It is estimated that the ratio of attempts to suicide is at least 10 to 1. Between 30 and 40 percent of suicide victims have made a previous attempt, and the risk of a completed suicide is 100 times greater in the first year after an attempt.
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death.
A majority of people who commit suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. Previous suicide attempts. Daring and risk-taking behavior. Giving away prized possessions. Lack of interest in the future.