Suicide Prevention Day. Friday, Sept. 10, 2010.

“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide.” – Albert Camus

When I attempted suicide, I unwittingly joined a very large club. According to the World Health Organization, about 3,000 people worldwide commit suicide every single day – and for every such death, there are at least 20 attempts.

Some points to ponder today, World Suicide Prevention Day, from a variety of sources:

• There are twice as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
• Between 1952 and 1995, suicide in young adults nearly tripled.
• Over half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65.
• Suicide rates in the United States are highest in the spring. (It’s a myth that the highest suicide rates are during the Christmas holidays.)
• Over half of all suicides are completed with a firearm.
• Suicide is the third leading death for young people ages 15-24.
• Suicide rates among the elderly are highest for those who are divorced or widowed.
• 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide. However, 80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully with medication and/or therapy.
• The highest suicide rate is among men over 85 years old.
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. (homicide is 15th).
• An average of one person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes.
• There are four male suicides for every female suicide.

As we experience this day, let us reflect on our own pasts, on the fact that we are alive, and on working every day to maintain health so that we each have a future.

Peace/Love, Alizah. <3