Suicide Methods

Poison and Firearms

The 10 categories of self-poisoning include painkillers, tranquilizers, narcotics, alcohol, gases, organic solvents, and pesticides. Women have ready access to drugs and, since many drugs are slower acting, have a chance to reconsider their choice to die. Further, they are easy to use and relatively nonviolent. Women in the United States and Europe use poisons more than other means to attempt or complete suicide. In both cases, drug overdoses are most likely responsible for death, but the type of drug is usually unspecified on the death certificate.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in industrialized countries and is usually a result of breathing fumes from a running car in a small, sealed space. Carbon monoxide poisoning in Hong Kong has increased from burning charcoal in an enclosed space. Pesticide poisoning is more common for women in Asian countries and in rural areas.

Guns are a main cause of violent death in the United States, several other countries in the Americas, and in some European countries. They are a significant cause of suicide death for women in the United States, and black women are at particular risk. Individuals usually shoot themselves in the head or the chest.

Firearm suicide is more frequent in countries where firearms are common in private households. When guns are available, individuals have access to [Page 1415]a lethal and quick method of inflicting harm; this is especially problematic if the suicide attempt is impulsive. Of all types of firearms, handguns are responsible for the largest number of suicide deaths.

Hanging, Strangulation, and Suffocation

Women in the United States and around the world have high rates of suicide by suffocation, particularly hanging and suffocation with a plastic bag. Among girls ages 10 to 14 years, hanging is the most common means of suicide. Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaskan Natives are most likely to die by suffocation among ethnic groups in the United States. Hanging is used when no other means is available; it requires some preparation and determination and is a violent way to die. The proportion of hangings typically decreases as either pesticide suicide or firearm suicide increases.

...