Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The US suicide rate increased 33 percent in the space of just eighteen years. What's more, suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of ten and thirty-four. Public health officials warn that suicide has reached epidemic proportions. The Suicide Epidemic explores this disturbing trend and its likely causes. The book also examines the phenomenon of teen suicide, the effects of suicide on friends and loved ones, and efforts to reduce suicide"--Page [4] of cover.