Dr. Jose Manoel Bertolote, a mental health official at the World Health Organization, says about 20 to 60 million people attempt to kill themselves every year, but only 1 million succeed.
Brian Mishara, president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, tells Reuters that those who do kill themselves "are tragic situations where help could have been provided."
He says that more suicides could be prevented if access to pesticides, guns and medication were restricted, and if governments did more to treat those who suffer from depression, alcoholism and schizophrenia.
According to Bertolote, about 30 percent of suicides worldwide are a result of pesticides.
Dentists, veterinarians and doctors are considered high risk because they have access to deadly chemicals and know how to use them.
People who suddenly lose a job are also more likely to commit suicide, when compared to those who have lived in poor conditions for a long time.
Mishara says people who live in countries where suicide is illegal are less likely to ask for help if they have thoughts of ending their lives.
He tell Reuters, "Those laws don't appear to have a dissuasive effect, but rather make it more difficult for people to come forth and get help."
