According to the CDC, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death [PDF] in the U.S. in 2010 with 38,364 suicides, a rate of 12.4 per 100,000. Northern New England states rates were all above the national average [PDF] with Vermont ranked 12th (16.9 per 100,000), New Hampshire 18th (14.9) and Maine 26th (14.0).
Nationally, males account for 79% of all suicides and are more likely to use a firearm. The rates are highest for males among those 75 years and older. Females are more likely to use poisoning and the rate of suicide is highest among those 45-54 years of age.
In 2010, there were an estimated 465,000 people with self-inflicted injuries treated in the emergency department, up from 374,500 in 2009.
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in 2010 nearly 220,000 [PDF] suspected suicide attempt poisoning cases were managed by U.S. poison centers. The Northern New England Poison Center managed nearly 3,300 of these. Patients under 20 were more likely to use readily-available substances such as over-the-counter pain relievers, while patients 20 and older were more likely to use prescription medications, including benzodiazepines and painkillers.
Suicide is preventable. If you feel you are in a crisis or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-800-273-TALK (8255).
