The Suicide Experience (IN: Suicide Prevention: Public Health Significance of Suicide Prevention Strategies, by the Public Health Association of Australia Inc.)

The authors suggest that programs of suicide prevention need to have a social, cultural & political understanding of suicide. Suicide rates in Australia are compared with those of other countries, showing that Australia has one of the highest rates in the Western world. Information on the economic costs of suicide & attempted suicide in Australia are given. Social, ecological, cultural & political aspects affecting suicide are discussed. Suicide on a personal level is also detailed. (21 refs.)