Divis,

I no longer can cite the specific studies that have explored this issue in the past. And it may be there have been significant changes in the demographics of suicide. However, my memory is that more women attempt suicide than men. However, men are more likely to 'succeed' at suicide because they tend to use quicker and more violent means. More women overdose or cut their wrists, which leaves more time for discovery or second thoughts during which they call for help. Men are much more likely to use guns, hang themselves, or jump into traffic, these leave no extra time for discovery or a change of heart.

It is also true that women are more likely to seek help and support than are men. I work in an outpatient mental health/substance abuse clinic. 75% to 80% of our mental health therapy patients are women.

Interestingly, 75% to 80% of our substance abuse patients are men who are in treatment as a condition of probation or parole, and probably 65% to 70% of adolescents in treatment for any reason are male.

Janie