Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. Suicide accounts for about 1% of yearly deaths in the United States and is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24.WebMD: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide Approximately one in ten of those who threaten suicide will go on to kill themselves and one in three people who attempt suicide will repeat the attempt within a year.The New York Times: Suicide and Suicidal Behavior

1. Talking about or threatening to commit suicide
2. Alcohol or drug use
3. Giving away possessions
4. Engaging in dangerous behavior
5. Depression
6. Sudden behavioral changes
7. Lack of interest in the futureYoung Adult Health: Suicide

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you or someone you know may be suicidal, please consult your doctor.

Most teens interviewed after making a suicide attempt say that they did it because they were trying to escape from a situation that seemed impossible to deal with or to get relief from really bad thoughts or feelings. Like Ethan, they didn't want to die as much as they wanted to escape from what was going on. And at that particular moment dying seemed like the only way out. http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html

Some people who end their lives or attempt suicide might be trying to escape feelings of rejection, hurt, or loss. Others might be angry, ashamed, or guilty about something. Some people may be worried about disappointing friends or family members. And some may feel unwanted, unloved, victimized, or like they're a burden to others.http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html

We all feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations sometimes. But most people get through it or can put their problems in perspective and find a way to carry on with determination and hope. So why does one person try suicide when another person in the same tough situation does not? What makes some people more resilient (better able to deal with life's setbacks and difficulties) than others? What makes a person unable to see another way out of a bad situation besides ending his or her life? http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html