Suicide

Suicide means "to take your own life" or "to kill yourself."

Fleeting thoughts of death, which most people have had at one time or another, are much different from actively planning suicide.

Not all people who attempt suicide die. Many attempts are unsuccessful. Although women try suicide more often, men are more likely to die from a suicide attempt.

A person who frequently thinks about suicide or has made a plan for suicide needs immediate help. National or local suicide hotlines, local hospitals, or a trusted health professional can usually help.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health