There are many myths surrounding suicide. Teen suicides are tragic, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among this young, healthy group. But the highest risk group is senior citizens, particularly white men, who have a suicide rate five times the national average. While the risk for men remains constant, women tend to lose interest in suicide after the age of 40, experts say.
Suicide is unpredictable.
Experts have identified risks both generally and specific to each age group, and patterns of events and behaviors that occur before suicides. For example, most middle-aged people who complete a suicide have a history of a mental disorder or chemical dependency and have tried suicide in the past. Most seniors have seen their doctor within days of committing suicide. Many of the youths and young men have ended a romantic relationship or feel that relationship is threatened within days of their suicide. Women do not disfigure themselves while committing suicides.