Expand suicide prevention efforts for youths, emphasizing nonviolent handling of disputes, conflict resolution, and skill-building in problem solving. Promote awareness of suicide intervention resources such as mental health centers, counseling centers, and hotlines. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all Americans. Suicide rates are the highest among people age 65 and older, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24. Among youths 10 to 14 years old, suicide rates increased 100 percent from 1980 to 1996.
Suicide affects many populations.
Young males ages 15 to 24 accounted for 64 percent of all suicides among Native Americans. In Hawaii, the suicide rate for this group is 4 percent higher than the rate for the rest of the population. Asian American women have the highest suicide rate among women age 65 and older. Hispanic students were more likely than white students to have reported a suicide attempt. Although females are more likely than males to attempt suicide, males are more likely to die in their first attempt than females.