Trivia: Suicide Statistics

Suicide is responsible for almost half of all violent deaths, totaling almost one million fatalities every year. According to Dr. Catherine Le Galès-Camus, World Health Organization Assistant-Director General, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health: "Worldwide, more people die from suicide than from all homicides and wars combined." (In 2001, worldwide deaths by homicide numbered 500,000 and deaths from war numbered 230,000.) Further, in most European countries, the number of suicides each year is larger than the number of traffic deaths. (Additionally, researchers estimate that attempted suicides, resulting in injury, hospitalization, and/or emotional and mental trauma, amount to 10 to 20 times the number of successful suicides.)

Among reporting countries, the highest rates of suicide are in Eastern Europe, while the lowest rates are in Latin America, Muslim countries, and a few Asian countries. (Little information is available from Africa.) Statistics show that with the exception of rural China, more men than women commit suicide, although in most locations a greater number of women than men attempt suicide. The most common methods of suicide are pesticides (particularly in rural areas), firearms, and medications.

Suicidal behavior is obviously complex, but some underlying causes include: "Poverty, unemployment, loss of loved ones, arguments, breakdown in relationships and legal or work-related problems. A family history of suicide, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, and childhood abuse, social isolation and some mental disorders including depression and schizophrenia, also play a central role in a large number of suicides. Physical illness and disabling pain can also increase suicide risks."

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