Definition of Suicide – A Broad View

Life or death outcome, life or death intent

Why would a person choose this as an option?

• Attachment –cry for help and a desire to secure attachments
• Escape –circumstances are extremely difficult to bear: illness, guilt, depression, oppressive relationships
• Control –a desperate attempt to exercise control, to remain in charge of one’s life no matter how narrow the limits.
• Release –reduction of tension, self-inflicted injury releases feelings of physical and psychological pressure.

Magnitude of the problem

3rd leading cause of death in persons 15-24

Consider: (based on U.S. 2003 stats, 11.3 suicide rate)
290,810,789 population
Reported completed suicides, 31,484
(reported suicides are the tip of the iceberg)

Unreported suicides, 5-10% more than reported suicides
Non-fatal behaviors (self-injury), 40-100 times more than completed
Suicidal ideas 5% of population 14,540,539
Other people who are affected (friends, family, etc.) ?????????

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