Suicide in the United States

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2009, the total number of suicide deaths was 36,909.^[1] It was the 7th leading cause of death for males, and 16th leading cause of death for females. Suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.^[2] In 2008, it was observed that U.S. suicide rates, particularly among middle-aged white women, had increased, although the causes were unclear.^[3] The government seeks to prevent suicides through its National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, a collaborative effort of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Indian Health Service.^[4] Their plan consists of 11 goals aimed at preventing suicides.^[5] Older adults are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.^[6]
Some U.S. jurisdictions have laws against suicide or against assisting suicide. In recent years, there has been increased interest on rethinking these laws.^[7]
Suicide has been associated with tough economic conditions, including unemployment.^[8]