Suicide Facts About Women

* A woman takes her own life every 90 minutes in the U.S., but it is estimated that one woman attempts suicide every 78 seconds
* In 1999, Suicide was the 19th leading cause of death of females living in the United States
* In the U.S. in 1998, the suicide rate among was 4.4 per 100,000, while for men it was 18.6 per 100,000
* Although men complete suicide more, women attempt suicide more often.
* The ratio of attempting suicide men/women is 2:15 ( 5.)

Methods of Suicide

Firearms, suffocation, and poison are the most common methods of suicide
Suicide by: Males(%) / Females(%)
Firearms 57 / 32
Suffocation 23 / 20
Poisoning 13 / 38 ( 4.)

Suicide Rate Among Girls

* The suicide rate among children ages 10-14 was 1.2/100,000
* In 1999 the gender ratio for this age group was 4:1 (males: females) ( 1.)

Suicide Rate Among Female Adolescents

* The suicide rate among adolescents aged 15-19 was 8.2/100,000.
* In 1999 the ratio for this age group was 5:1 (males: females) ( 1.)

Suicide Rate Among Young Female Adults

* Among young adults 20 to 24 the suicide rate was 12.7/100,000
* In 1999 the gender ratio for this age group was 6:1 (males/females) ( 1.)

Suicide Rate Among the Female Elderly

* The suicide rates for women peak between ages 45-54 years old
* Again after age 75 ( 2.)

Risk Factors
* Depression
* Substance Abuse
* Past history of suicide attempts
* Divorced or widowed status
* One or more active or chronic medical illness
* Feelings of hopelessness
* Panic Disorder
* Severe anxiety ( 4.)

References
1. Chaudron,, Linda H., and Eric D. Caine. "Suicide Among Women:." 2nd ser. 59: 125- 134. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Ohio University, Zanesville. 6 July 2008.
2. "Depression Community." HealthyPlace.Com. 6 July 2008 http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/elderly.asp
3. "Suicide-Frequently Asked Questions." Athealth.Com. 3 Jan. 2000. National Institute of Mental Health. 19 July 2008 http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/suicidefaq.html
4. “Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention." National Institute of Mental Health. 3 June 2008. Dept. of Health and Human Services. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-the-us-statistics-and-prevention.shtml
5. "Suicide in Women." Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc. 29 Nov. 2006. ELF Software. 6 July 2008 http://www.ppsinc.org/suicide/scide05.htm