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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause of its devastating toll, suicide is considered one of the biggest public health problems worldwide. In the United States, suicide is the 11th-leading cause of death, with 32,000 suicides a year, or about 89 a day. Among Americans ages 10 to 24, it's the third-leading cause of death, accounting for about 4,600 deaths a year.
There are many more suicide attempts than actual suicides, and hundreds of thousands of people are treated every year for self-inflicted injuries. Overall, there's one completed suicide for every 25 attempts.
Men are more likely than women to complete suicide because they typically use more lethal means, such as a firearm. Women are more likely to attempt suicide, though. Males over age 75 have the highest suicide rate.
Factors that increase the risk of suicide include:
- A prior suicide attempt
- Having a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or personality disorders
- Being intoxicated by alcohol
- A family history of mental disorders or substance abuse
- A family history of suicide
- A family history of violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Having firearms in the home
- A significant medical illness, such as cancer or chronic pain
- Social isolation, or feeling alone
- Legal or disciplinary problems, especially among children and young adults ages 10 to 24
- School problems
- Having never been married
- Feeling hopeless
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
- Having limited life activities because of health problems caused by combat
