Top Facts & Stats More than 1200 Ohioans commit suicide each year. Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Ohio. Nearly 20% of high school students in Ohio have seriously contemplated suicide. White males account for more than 75% of Ohio's suicides 75% of elderly suicide victims had visited a physician in the month prior to their suicide. More teens and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. In the United States, women attempt suicide at roughly the rate of men. It's estimated that a woman attempts suicide every 78 seconds, and that a woman takes her own life every 90 minutes. Although women attempt suicide more often, men complete suicide more often. The completion rate for men is 4X that of women. The higher rate of attempted suicide in women may reflect the higher incidence of mood disorders - major depression and seasonal affective disorder, for instance - among females. In general, women are more likely than men to have a social support network - friends and family they'll talk with or confide in. Women also tend to be more willing than men to seek professional intervention when depression symptoms arise. Firearms are the leading method of suicide in women, as well as men. Suicide is more common among women who are single, recently separated, divorced, or widowed. The suicide rates for women peak between the ages of 45-54 years old, and again after age 75. From 1964 - 1972, we lost 55,000 troops in the Viet Nam War. During those same years, we lost 220,000 people to suicide. Top About Depression: Untreated depression is, by far, the number one cause of suicide. Depressive illnesses can distort thinking, and cause feelings of hopelessness and helplessness which may lead to suicidal thoughts. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, the majority of suicidal people are depressed. If five or more of the following symptoms are present during a two-week period, depression is probable. Remember, depression is a treatable illness. Find help here. Depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities Change in appetite or weight Change in sleeping patterns Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities Decrease in sexual drive Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or guilt Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead Top Risk Factors First, understand that suicide is an equal opportunity killer. People who take their own lives are men and women, young and old, rich and poor. Race, religion, family status, social standing or popularity don't make folks immune. There are, however some factors that can significantly impact an individual's risk of becoming suicidal. They include: Previous suicide attempt(s) Mental disorders Alcohol and/or substance abuse A family history of suicide Feelings of hopelessness Impulsive or aggressive tendencies Barriers to accessing mental health treatment A significant loss (death, separation, divorce, moving, breaking up with a loved one) Physical illness Access to firearms or other lethal methods Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts Cultural or religious beliefs-for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma Local epidemics of suicide Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people The number one risk factor: Depressive Illness Top Symptoms Fact: Many people consider suicide at some point. Most decide not to follow through. But others feel incapable of escaping or fighting through their problems, and see death as a way to stop the pain. These are some of the feelings and thoughts those people experience: If you experience these feelings, get help. If this sounds like someone you know, offer help. Can't stop the pain Can't think clearly Can't make decisions Can't see any way out Can't sleep, eat or work Can't make the sadness go away Can't see a future without pain Can't see themselves as worthwhile Can't get someone's attention Can't seem to get control Top Clues Clues that someone may be suicidal fall into several categories. Some are verbal, others are behavioral. Some are very direct, others more subtle. Here are some of the more common clues: Verbal/Direct Statements I don't want to live anymore" "I wish I were dead" "I'm going to end it all" "I am going to kill myself" Verbal/Indirect Statements "No one cares if I live or die" "Life is just too hard - it isn't worth it" "Mom would be better off without me" "I just can't take it anymore" Behavioral Previous suicide attempts Serious expressions of hopelessness More than 6 criteria from the depression symptoms list Increased substance abuse Unmotivated, irresponsible, uncaring Sudden happiness after a long period of depression Cleaning up "loose ends" Giving away prized possessions Making a will Quitting a job Top FAQ What causes depressive illness? Depression is a biological illness related to an imbalance or disruption of brain chemistry. The brain is an organ of the body and can get sick just like the heart, liver, or kidneys. A mix of genetic, physiological, psychological and environmental factors impact how and when depressive illness presents itself. Sometimes, depression can appear "out of the blue" - when it would seem there are no underlying reasons People of all ages, including infants and children (who may be born with a chemical imbalance), can suffer from depressive illnesses. Since they may be genetically pre-disposed, a person with a family history of depression may be at higher risk. But it's important to note that not everyone with depression in their family history will end up with a depressive illness. Can depressive illnesses be treated? Yes. Just like other illnesses - diabetes or high blood pressure, for instance - depression can be effectively managed with the help of a physician. Is depression the same as the blues? No. When you suffer a trauma or loss, it's absolutely normal to feel lousy for a period. But depression is different. It's a brain illness that has specific symptoms. Why don't people talk about depression and suicide? Odd, isn't it? We've become used to seeing commercials for erectile dysfunction and personal hygiene products. We can talk about AIDS without flinching. But suicide and depression are still topics that make us uncomfortable. The problem is stigma. People who have depression are worried that others will think they're weak, or worse, crazy. The good news is that things are changing. More people are more aware of the nature of depressive illness today than ever before, and those who experience symptoms are more likely to seek help. The more we talk about it - openly and honestly - the more we'll see stigma continue to fade away. Where can I get help? Here.