Suicide Introduction

Every year, 30,000 Americans take their own lives by committing suicide. At least 15% of people with depression complete the act of suicide, but an even higher proportion will attempt it. While depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders, it is also one of the most underdiagnosed and underrecognized.

One of the scariest emotional experiences people suffer in their lifetime is to experience a severe form of depression. Over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime. Over 1 in 20 Americans have a depressive disorder every year. Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today.

Many people still carry the misperception that suicidal thoughts or behaviors are deserved -- that when a person has reached this point in their lives, there is no turning back. Nothing could be further from the truth. You can turn back. If you are thinking about suicide right now, you may want to visit this web page (http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/), or (in the United States) call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

Depression is not a character flaw, nor is it simply feeling blue for a few days. Most importantly, depression is not your fault. It is a serious mood disorder that affects a person's ability to function in every day activities. It affects one's work, one's family, and one's social life.

Today, much more is known about the causes and treatment of this mental health problem. We know that there are biological and psychological components to every depression and that the best form of treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Contrary to the popular misconceptions about depression today, it is not a purely biochemical or medical disorder.

We have developed the information here to act as a comprehensive guide to help you better understand suicide and find out more information about it on your own. Choose from among the categories at left to begin your journey into learning about suicide.