He urged the students not to hide their anger and fears but find a friend, an adult, a school counselor or a journal to talk to. After his talk, Thomas said suicide is a very serious problem not only among American Indian youth but in all communities everywhere in the world. In 1999, the King County Medical Examiner reported there were 221 suicides, accounting for 15 percent of all deaths. In 1999, there were 16 suicides among people 19 years and under, representing 7 percent of all suicides. Three times as many men as women committed suicide in 1999.
Suicide attempts are more common among women, but men have a higher completed suicide rate.
Suicide is a significant cause of death among young people. White males over 65 years of age have the highest completed suicide rate. Firearms are a significant enabling factor and increase the chance for a completed suicide. Shows signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal. Takes impulsive and unnecessary risks .