Youths
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24; only accidents and homicides occur more frequently. In 2001, 3,971 suicides were reported in this group. Youth (ages 15-24) suicide rates increased more than 200% from the 1950’s to the late 1970’s. From the late 1970’s to the mid 1990’s, suicide rates for youth remained stable and, since then, have slightly decreased. Ratios of attempted to completed suicides for youth are estimated to range between 100 to 1 and 200 to 1. Adolescents and young adults often experience stress, confusion, and depression from situations occurring in their families, schools, and communities. Such feelings can overwhelm young people and lead them to consider suicide as a “solution.” There are a small number of schools and communities that have suicide prevention plans which include screening, referral, and crisis intervention programs for youth. Youth Suicide Fact Sheet
American Association of Suicidology
www.suicidology.org/Youth