Why Do People Kill Themselves?Why Do People Kill Themselves?

Duh.

The National Institute Of Mental Health (2009) National Institute Of Mental Health (2009) says:“The number one risk factor for suicide is depression

and other mental disorders. More than 90% of people who die by suicide have these risk factors”

US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2007

• Older White men commit suicide at the highest rates of any population group. Widowhood, serious medical illness, and social isolation are common risk factors.

• Men are more likely to commit suicide and women are more likely to attempt suicide.

• Living along and being single increase the risk of suicide. Divorced, separated, and widowed people are more likely than married ones to commit suicide. Again, men are more likely than women to do so.

• Parenthood (even pregnancy) decreases the risk of suicide.• Suicide rates are higher in rural areas. The Rocky Mountain and Western states

have the highest rates of suicide.

• Religion seems to protect people against suicide. This works for both people who are “spiritual” but don’t go to church much and for those who attend religious services. Areas of the country with more non-religious people have more suicides.

• There are 1100 suicides (and 24k attempts) on college campuses every year and it is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE of death (after accidents). Suicides more prevalent in elite schools. More seniors than freshmen and more graduate students than undergrads.

• Older White men commit suicide at the highest rates of any population group. Widowhood, serious medical illness, and social isolation are common risk factors.

• Men are more likely to commit suicide and women are more likely to attempt suicide.

• Living along and being single increase the risk of suicide. Divorced, separated, and widowed people are more likely than married ones to commit suicide. Again, men are more likely than women to do so.

• Parenthood (even pregnancy) decreases the risk of suicide.• Suicide rates are higher in rural areas. The Rocky Mountain and Western states

have the highest rates of suicide.

• Religion seems to protect people against suicide. This works for both people who are “spiritual” but don’t go to church much and for those who attend religious services. Areas of the country with more non-religious people have more suicides.

• There are 1100 suicides (and 24k attempts) on college campuses every year and it is the SECOND LEADING CAUSE of death (after accidents). Suicides more prevalent in elite schools. More seniors than freshmen and more graduate students than undergrads.

Two Kinds Of Suicide Affected By Social

Integrationaccording to Emile Durkheim (1897)

EGOISTICSociety Is Too Weak

ALTRUISTICSociety Is Too

Strong