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Depression & Suicide in Maine
The World Health Organization reports that depression is the leading cause of disability. A study conducted by the World Health Organization, the World Bank and Harvard University measured years of healthy life lost due to premature death or disability. It found that disability caused by major depression was equal to the amount of disability caused by blindness or paralysis. Depression is considered a medical illness by the World Health Organization.
As the 11th-leading cause of death among all Americans and the third-leading cause of death among those 15-24 years of age, suicide is a serious public health problem.
It is a particularly serious problem in Maine. According to the Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24, and the third leading cause of death for youth aged 10-14 in Maine. Between 1999 and 2003, there were 793 suicides in Maine. Suicide rates are about one-third higher in rural areas. The problem of suicide has a serious impact on friends, family, and community members.
Depression and Suicide: The numbers add up.
Depression affects nearly one in every 10 people.
In 2005, nearly one in 20 high school students reported having seriously considered or attempted suicide during the previous 12 months.
In 2006, a survey by the American College Health Association found that almost one in every 10 college students has seriously considered suicide.
Suicide rates rise with age. People over the age of 75 have the nation’s highest suicide rate.
If you are feeling suicidal:
- Call 911 and report you are thinking about suicide.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24 hours.
- Call 1-888-568-1112 - Maine Crisis Hotline, available 24 hours.
If someone you know is suicidal:
- Do not leave a suicidal person alone.
- Stay calm. Don't argue, blame or shame. Show you care.
- Get help immediately - call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
- Remove items (guns, pills, etc.) that a person might use for suicide.
This page of the Maine Health Forum is based on Suicide by Janice C. May, M.P.A. Retrieved from Hands on Health-SC, 2007.
Reviewed for the Maine Health Forum by Dr. Burgess Record, MD on 8/13/2007
In This Section:
News on Depression & Suicide
More National News- Regular Church Attendance May Lower Suicide RiskMedlinePlus, 1/30/09
- FDA Adds Suicide Warning to Epilepsy DrugsMedlinePlus, 12/16/08
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