Suicide, the intentional taking of one's own life. It is a major social problem in many parts of the world, and medical and social workers study ways in which it can be prevented. Traditionally, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam condemn suicide, but in modern times Jews and Christians tend to regard it as a symptom of a mental or emotional disorder rather than a sin. In the past, most countries had laws penalizing those who attempted suicide and the families of persons who committed suicide; nearly all such laws have been revoked.
In the United States, suicide ranks among the 12 leading causes of death. More than half of those who commit suicide are aged 15 to 44. Since the 1950's, suicide rates for teenagers and adults in their 20's have risen, and suicide is the third leading cause of death (behind accidents and homicides) for those persons. While the suicide rates for those aged 45 and over have declined overall, there has been a significant increase in the rate for white males 75 and over. The highest suicide rates are found among professional people, people living alone, and people living in cities.
Two to three times more women than men attempt suicide. Men, however, generally use more violent methods, and their death rate from suicide is three times that of women. The suicide rate for whites is about twice that for blacks. The overall suicide rate goes up during economic depression and decreases in times of prosperity or war.
Sociologists caution that statistics on suicide are often highly misleading. For example, in the United States and other countries where suicide carries a social stigma, more suicides are reported as accidental deaths than in countries—such as Sweden—where there is no such stigma. Women are more apt than men to commit suicide by gas and barbiturates, with the result that more suicides of women are reported as accidental. Some suicides may be reported as accidental or as death from natural causes in order to spare the feelings of the victim's family.
In some countries, especially in the past, social or religious attitudes and pressures have been directly responsible for many suicides. For example, in India the Hindu tradition of suttee influenced a widow to join her dead husband on the funeral pyre. This custom was prohibited by law in 1829. In Japan, a ritual form of suicide called harakiri, or seppuku, is considered an honorable way for a person to avoid disgrace, expiate a crime, or protest the misconduct of a superior. Among the leading causes of suicide in most countries in modern times are physical illness from an incurable or painful disease; severe mental illness of certain types; loss of a loved one; social or professional disgrace; financial failure; and a desire to make others feel guilty.
It has been found that persons contemplating suicide usually make their intentions known by open threats or less overt actions. It has also been found that many persons, if prevented from committing suicide, will not attempt it again if given help during the suicidal crisis. Medical and social workers therefore urge that family and friends give emergency emotional support to anyone who threatens suicide or who appears unusually depressed, and that they assist the person in contacting a physician, religious counselor, or social agency. In addition to regular social agencies, many cities have special suicide prevention units that can be reached by telephone. These units help persons undergoing suicidal crises, and conduct research and disseminate information.
