- The number of completed suicides in Maine averages about 160 annually, or 13.7 per 100,000 people.
- More than 1,000 people every year are hospitalized in Maine with self-inflicted injuries.
- Nationally, there have been an average of 30,000-35,000 suicides annually for the last decade, although the numbers have been trending upward.
- Males are five times more likely than females to attempt suicide.
- More than half of suicides are completed with a firearm, but females are much less likely to use a firearm.
- For 15-34-year-olds in Maine, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.
- For 35-55-year-olds in Maine, suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death.
Sources: Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Resources: The Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, has a wealth of information about suicide as well as common risk factors and frequently asked questions online at: http://www.maine.gov/suicide/index.htm
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a national advocacy organization, also has detailed data and resources, both for professionals and for those at risk of suicide on its website: http://www.afsp.org/
The statewide suicide hotline referral number is 1-888-568-1112
In Bangor, the Youth Crisis Stabilization Program for children aged 6-19 can be reached at 1-800-499-9130
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK
Common risk factors:
Psychiatric disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental illness.
Alcohol or drug abuse, particularly if combined with depression.
Past history of attempted suicide
Genetic predisposition
Impulsivity
Common warning signs:
Strong feelings of pessimism, hopelessness or desperation
Sleep problems
Increased alcohol and-or other drug use
Threatening suicide, expressing a strong wish to die or making a plan
Giving away possessions