This paper analyzes recent trends in suicide & attempted suicide using data from official sources & special studies. The focus is on trends among adolescents & young adults (15-29 years) & on available research that might help in the explanation of these trends. It is concluded that not only in sheer numbers, but also in terms of human suffering & economics, the phenomena of suicide & parasuicide is a public health problem of great importance, particularly among adolescents & young adults.