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Suicide

Suicide means "to take your own life" or "to kill yourself."

Fleeting thoughts of death, which most people have had at one time or another, are much different from actively planning to commit suicide.

Not all people who attempt suicide die. Many attempts are unsuccessful. Although women try suicide more often, men are more likely to die from a suicide attempt.

A person who frequently thinks about committing suicide or has made a plan to commit suicide needs immediate help. National or local suicide hot lines, local hospitals, or a trusted health professional can usually help.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.