More people die of suicide than from homicide. In 1996, there were three suicides in the U.S. for every two homicides committed.
Suicide is a complex behavior usually caused by a combination of factors.
Research shows that almost all people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder or both, and that the majority have depressive illness. Studies indicate that the most promising way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior is through the early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. However, suicide was not the leading cause of death for this age group. Males are four times more likely to die of suicide than are females. However, females are more likely to attempt suicide than are males.