In 1998, there were 71 reported suicides in Montgomery County (up from 70 in 1997). There was at least one suicide in 38 of the 62 municipalities. The communities with the most suicides were Abington (6), Norristown (5) (3 in 1997), and Lansdale (4). Lower Merion, Lower Salford, Pottstown, Royersford, Upper Gwynedd, and Upper Merion each had 3 suicides. These nine areas accounted for almost one-half of the suicides in the county.

Demographically, white males accounted for 72% (51) of all county suicides. White females represented 22.5% (16) of suicides. There were 2 reported suicides among Black males and 2 among males of other races. There were no suicides involving non-Caucasian females.

There were 3 suicides among those 15-19, 53 among those 20-59, 3 among those 60-64, and 12 in the 65 and over age group. Firearms are the primary means in about 60% of suicide deaths statewide (and nationally), which is likely the pattern for Montgomery County also.

The average annual age adjusted rate (per 100,000) for this period is 9.2. This is lower than the state rate for the same period (10.7) and the US rate for 1998 (10.0). The county rate is also below that for southeastern Pennsylvania (10.6).

In 1998, the incidence of suicide in neighboring suburban counties was as follows: Bucks - 53, Chester - 45, and Delaware - 60. The average annual age adjusted rates for these counties were 9.3, 8.3, and 9.5 respectively. Among municipalities in the 4 suburban counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, Upper Darby Township, in Delaware County, experienced the greatest number of suicides, 10. Chester County suicides increased from 29 in 1997 to 45 in 1998 (+35.5%). That is a staggering year-to-year increase.

It is generally accepted that there are an estimated 16 suicide attempts for each completed suicide. Applying this benchmark to Montgomery County indicates that there may have been 1136 suicide attempts in 1998 (or more than 3 per day). It can be assumed that most "suicide attempters" in Montgomery County are females, which is the predominant pattern elsewhere.

It has also been estimated that 6-8 individuals, parents, siblings, spouses, children, and friends, are left seriously bereaved by each suicide. Many experience severe grief reactions. These individuals are sometimes called "suicide survivors" and their ranks may have increased by 426 to 568 in Montgomery County in 1998. This is the population put at-risk because of a suicide loss. One recent study found that 14% of suicide victims had a family history of suicide. It has been observed that suicide doesn't really end pain, it just spreads it around. Overall, there may be from 8000 to 10,000 Montgomery County residents who have lost someone close to suicide.

The incidence of suicide can be put into perspective by noting that in Montgomery County there are 3.5 suicides for every homicide. This is the general pattern in non-urban areas. Suicide is an unacknowledged suburban tragedy.