America’s Suicide Rate

A recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention study reports that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and that there are more suicides each year than homicides. Suicide is also most common among men, Native Americans, whites and people between 45 and 54 years of age. This is quite an alarming age range, even more so because younger people are now committing suicide than ever before (the average age used to be 80 and above).

According to this report, of those who committed suicide, people with a “Currently Depressed Mood” numbered at 43.6%, a “Current Mental Health Problem” were 41.9 % and “Current Mental Health Treatment” were at 32.8%. Though there is overlap here (the report also outlines alcohol abuse as another factor), it is safe to say that not everyone who commits suicide has these depression issues and that exhibiting a “Currently Depressed Mood” is an incredibly broad characterization.

It is also worth noting that this study was based on numbers in 2007, well before the economic downturn, when things were supposed to be “better.” Of course, just because Wall Street is enjoying a pay day doesn’t mean things are better. In fact, the average wage has declined in the United States, when you factor in inflation. And all the jobs that were gained since the dot com bubble burst have all been lost. So, it could be a reflection on the economy. It could also be a bleak reflection on the state of American life: disillusionment, unhappiness and a sense of the unfulfilled life. On average, Chinese and Indian citizens are more optimistic about their country and lives than their counterparts in America and Europe: perhaps those living in the West are spent and jaded?

Either way, whether its economic or social, any shift of the majority of suicides to younger people is a serious change, and an ominous one at that.

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