More than 90% of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental condition, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.  New research suggests that between 59% and 87% of suicide victims suffer from major depression, and about 15% of these patients do commit suicide(1).   A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a spike in suicide rates (2003-2004) in preteen and adolescent girls, with the biggest increase between the ages of 10 and 14. Click on Risk Factors for Suicide

If you are feeling severely depressed and suicidal, call The National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE) to speak to a caring person who can help link you to a local crisis center.

SOURCES:
1. Prediction and Prevention of Suicide in patients with unipolar depression and anxiety, Gonda, X. et al. Annals of General Psychiatry, 2007; 6:23. 

2. NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml  

RESOURCES:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has started a Suicide Survivor e-network that provides community, education, advocacy, and empowerment opportunities for survivors.  Go to www.afsp.org.