Source: Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, MDCH

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of all deaths in Michigan.  Suicide is the death caused by purposely self-inflicted injuries.  Almost all people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder or both, and the majority have depressive illness.  The most promising way to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior is through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illness.  From 1996-1998 the suicide rate for Cass and Van Buren County has been lower than Michigan’s rate.