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Overall, suicide is the 15th leading global cause of death. However, it is the 2nd leading cause among 15-29 year olds
- Over 800,000 people die each year from suicide
- 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
- Most common methods of suicide globally are:
- Pesticide ingestion (around 30%)
- Hanging
- Firearms
Suicides are preventable. Interventions to decrease suicides include:
- Reduce access to means of suicide
- Alcohol policies that reduce the harmful use of alcohol
- Early identification and treatment of patients at risk
- Mental health disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Acute emotional distress
- Prior suicide attempts
- Appropriate follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide
References
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs398/en/