Suicide in Middle Aged Individuals Is on the Increase

After a decade of declining suicide rates in the United States, suicide levels in middle-aged individuals have begun to increase.

According to findings in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Caucasian individuals, ranging from 40 to 64, have suddenly become the new high risk group for suicide.

Between 1999 and 2005, suicides increased around 3% each year, in middle-aged white men, and about 4%, in middle aged white women.

In this country, the suicide rate had been on the decline from 1986 to 1999.- From 1999 to 2005, the rates have risen 0.7% each year.

The cause for this increase is not known, but may continue to worsen, given the decline in the economy.

Data indicates that suicide rates, especially in men, will increase during bad economic times.

There is some speculation as to what is causing this phenomenon.

Some theories include, increased drug use among baby boomers, who are thought to be unhappier, overall, than previous generations, to abuses of prescription drugs.

It is not thought to be associated with a midlife crisis, as middle age is typically considered a period of stability and emotional well-being.

It is interesting to note that, suicide is now more common than homicide.

In 2005, 32,637 people took their lives in the United States. This correlates with a rate of 11 individuals per 100,000.

The complete story can be found here: U.S. Suicide on Rise:...