Publisher's Synopsis
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States (US), with nearly 100 suicides occurring each day and over 36,000 dying by suicide each year.The rate is higher among 25 to 34 year-olds, for whom suicide is the second leading cause of death.While many die by suicide, each suicide represents approximately 25 suicide attempts; the lifetime risk of attempt for the general US population is estimated to be between 1.9 and 8.7 percent.Among Veterans and current military, suicide is a national public health concern. Recent estimates suggest current or former military represent 20 percent of all known suicides in the US, and the rate of suicides among Veterans utilizing Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services is estimated to be higher than the general population.The impact suicide has on family, friends, and community can be overwhelming.Furthermore, suicide attempts may leave the individual severely injured, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The lifetime cost of medical treatment resulting from self-inflicted injuries in 2000 was estimated to be $1 billion.The enormity of the problem has led to several major public health initiatives and a growth in research funding for suicide prevention.
