What is Suicide

Suicide, intentional, self-inflicted death. Suicide, a distinctly human act, appears in all societies from the earliest times. Major differences have existed, however, in societies' attitudes toward suicide, in the way in which suicide is committed, and in the rates of frequency at various times in history.

People who attempt or complete suicide usually suffer from extreme emotional pain and distress and feel unable to cope with their problems. They are likely to suffer from mental illness, particularly severe depression, and to feel hopeless about the future.

Suicide ranks as a leading cause of death worldwide, making it a significant public-health problem. In addition, some researchers believe official statistics underestimate the actual number of suicides.

Methods of suicide vary from culture to culture. Hanging is the leading method of suicide worldwide. In the United States about 60 percent of all suicides are committed with firearms. In Canada, where guns are less accessible, about 30 percent of suicides are committed with guns.

Most social scientists believe that a society's structure and values can influence suicide rates. French sociologist Emile Durkheim argued that suicide rates are related to social integration, that is, the degree to which an individual feels part of a larger group. Durkheim found suicide was more likely when a person lacked social bonds or had relationships disrupted through a sudden change in status, such as unemployment.