September 6 – 12 2009 is Suicide Prevention week which includes World Suicide Prevention Day September 10th. Suicide is a major, preventable public health problem. In 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.

Suicidal behavior is complex. Some risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may occur in combination or change over time. All suicide threats and attempts should be taken very seriously. If you or a loved one are suicidal, please get help immediately.

To learn more about suicide:  how to prevent it, the warning signs, and who it effects check out The National Institute on Mental Health and our Who Does Suicide Effect? brochure.

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