In 2011, suicides in Virginia were the highest they’ve been in 13 years, according to a report recently released by Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Fairfax County reported 88 deaths that were determined to be suicides, according to the report. Loudoun County reported 37 incidents.
"Deaths due to natural causes, accidental overdoses, homicides, and suicides have fluctuated across time but are currently at their highest levels," the report reads.
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The report also indicated that suicides were most frequent for white males between the ages of 45 and 54 years old.
The news station WJLA reported that unemployment, relationship problems, and lack of mental health resources contributed to the deaths.
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Other findings from the medical examiner’s office:
- Whites committed suicide 5.2 times that of Hispanics, 4 times that of Asians, and 3.3 times that of blacks
- Men were 3.4 times more likely to commit suicide than women
- The months showing the highest numbers of suicide deaths are April and October, not the winter holiday months.
- Deaths from any cause are most frequent on Mondays. When broken down by manner of death, most natural and suicide deaths occurred on Monday and most accidental deaths occurred on Friday.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free service that offers support to those with suicidal thoughts: 800-273-talK (8255).
Fairfax County also has a Crisislink Suicide Prevention Hotline: (703) 527-4077.
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