Overall, suicide is the 15^th leading global cause of death.  However, it is the 2^nd leading cause among 15-29 year olds

• Over 800,000 people die each year from suicide
• 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
• Most common methods of suicide globally are:
  • Pesticide ingestion (around 30%)
  • Hanging
  • Firearms

 

Suicides are preventable.  Interventions to decrease suicides include:

• Reduce access to means of suicide
• Alcohol policies that reduce the harmful use of alcohol
• Early identification and treatment of patients at risk
  • Mental health disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Chronic pain syndromes
  • Acute emotional distress
  • Prior suicide attempts
• Appropriate follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide

References

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs398/en/