It's springtime-longer days, warmer weather, showers and flowers, a time of renewal. Surprisingly, however, April is also the month with the highest number of suicides.

Every 17 minutes someone in America commits suicide, and for every completed suicide, there are approximately 25 attempts. More people die from suicide than from homicide.

More than four times as many men as women die by suicide; but women attempt suicide more often during their lives and women report higher rates of depression. Research has shown that more than 90 percent of people who kill themselves have depression or another diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder.

There is a common misconception that suicide rates are highest among the young. On the contrary, suicide rates increase with age and are highest among Americans aged 65 years and older. The ten-year period, 1980-1990, was the first decade since the 1940s that the suicide rate for the elderly rose instead of declined. Another surprise. Over 70 percent of older suicide victims have been to their primary care physician within the month of their death, many with a depressive illness that was not detected.

What can be done? Many suicides are preventable but access to help is critical. If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, you should take their distress seriously and listen without judging them. Help them get to a professional for evaluation and treatment. People consider suicide when they are hopeless and unable to see alternative solutions to problems.

Your readers can click here to read a copy of Tips for Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Person. Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life's difficulties.

The American Psychological Association's (APA) Psychologists in Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this subject. APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Read Tips for Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Person