America is experiencing an increase in desperation, depression, hopelessness or whatever names we give to the reasons for suicide.
A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the United States has its highest suicide rate in 30 years.
"It’s really stunning to see such a large increase in suicide rates affecting virtually every age group," said Katherine Hempstead, senior adviser for health care at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in an article in The New York Times.
Hempstead has identified a link between suicide in middle age and rising rates of distress about jobs and personal finances.
Middle-aged Americans seem particularly vulnerable. The suicide rate women for ages 45 to 64 jumped by 63 percent. For men in that age group, suicides rose by 43 percent.
The study reviewed data covering the years from 1999 to 2014. However, researchers dipped back to 1986 to find a rate high enough to match the 2014 rate.
While there may be some signs that point to money and job upheavals set off by the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 as part of the cause of the increase in suicide, some of the data suggests that may be too simple a theory.
American Indians had the sharpest rise of all racial and ethnic groups. The rate of suicide for Native American women rose 89 percent and for Native American men, the increase was 38 percent.
A graph of where suicides occur in America created by The Economist magazine, which is based on London, outlined a "suicide corridor." The magazine defined this corridor as running from Montana in the north and southward to New Mexico, with Nevada as the western border and Colorado as the eastern border.
The Economist offers the theory that the high number of Native Americans in this mountain west region contribute to the higher rates of suicide in those states.
The report did not break down suicide rates by education or income. However, some researchers who reviewed the analysis said the patterns in age and race are consistent with research that shows that less schooling and lower-paid work can add up to desperation for many in American society.
"This is part of the larger emerging pattern of evidence of the links between poverty, hopelessness, and health," said Robert D. Putnam, a professor of public policy at Harvard.
While the data may be disturbing, mental health professionals point out that the most important information is to know the warning signs of suicide, in case you may notice in family, friends or coworkers.
Some of the warning signs of suicide that require action:
Encourage them to seek the help of a professional mental health counselor.
Have them call, or you call, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
References:
Tavernise, Sabrina, "U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to a 30-Year-High," The New York Times, April 22, 2016.
The Data Team, "American Suicides Return to a Disturbing 30-Year High," The Economist, April 28, 2016.
When Someone is at Risk, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
