When do People Take Their Lives?
A study of people who nearly died in a suicide attempt asked:
“How much time passed between the time you decided to complete suicide and when you actually attempted suicide?” (Simon 2001)
• 24% said less than five minutes
• Another 47% said an hour or less
Although some people who die by suicide plan their act carefully, many don't. In fact, many take their lives within 24 hours of a crisis—like an argument with a family member or a relationship break-up.
The NVISS study found that one-third of youths who died by suicide had faced a crisis within 24 hours, according to the police or medical examiner investigation report.
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Simon TR, Swann AC, Pwell KE, Potter LB, Kresnow M, and O'Carroll, PW. Characteristics of impulsive suicide attempts and attempters. SLTB. 2001; 32(supp): 49-59.