If the thought of McCain, Obama, or Clinton being our next president is making you depressed...
Over 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
In 2005 (latest available data), there were 32,637 reported suicide deaths.
Suicide is fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years in the U.S., with approximately 26,500 suicides.
Currently, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
A person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in the United States. An attempt is estimated to be made once every minute.
Ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but twice as many females as males attempt suicide.
Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, and 1,500 more attempt to do so.
Clinical depression affects about 19 million Americans annually. It is estimated to contribute to half of all suicides. About 5%-10% of women and 2%-5% of men will experience at least one major depressive episode during their adult life. Depression affects people of all races, incomes, and ages, but it is three to five times more common in the elderly than in young people.
Prevention
People who have risk factors for depression should be "screened" regularly by their health-care provider. This means that when they see their health-care provider, questions should be asked that might indicate depression.
If identified early, those who are at risk for depression are more likely to benefit from treatment.
Getting Help: Support Groups and Counseling
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 800-SUICIDE.
Additional information about depression can be obtained from these organizations:
LINKS
