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Suicide Rate Rising

Data shows uptick in suicides during recession

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 4:49 AM CST

(Newser) – The suicides this year of a Freddie Mac boss overwhelmed by investigations into his company and a banker whose firm lost $1.5 billion in the Madoff scandal offer two high-profile examples of a trend confirmed by recent data: the US suicide rate is rising in the wake of the recession, with financial woes an increasing factor in many deaths, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Data from 19 states shows the suicide rate rose by about 2.3% in 2008, and calls to suicide prevention hotlines are also increasing. Some crisis centers report money troubles now surpassing depression as a reason for calls to their hotlines. "There's a lot more anxiety and fear related to paying bills and finding a job," said a director of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. "Certainly there's some hopelessness about the future."

Data from 19 states shows the suicide rate rose by about 2.3% in 2008. (Shutterstock)

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Showing 3 of 18 comments

diltsduo

Feb 9, 2010 10:16 AM CST

Why is everyone Blaming Obama???? With a Poor educational system and insane college tuition rates People cant even afford to live. They should do a follow up study on Alcohol sales and drug charges. Sad thing is they talk about the RICH people giving up. I'm poor and was almost a statistic but I'm still Fighting....

KahunaOmega122

Nov 23, 2009 11:41 AM CST

@DLY: Okay, that's just a straight-up terrible thing to say. Not only is it extremely uncalled for and offensive, but it's not RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION. You think Obama caused the recession? You think he wants all of these people to die, are you KIDDING ME? Do you think this is funny? This is just sick and twisted. May God have mercy on your soul.

diltsduo

Nov 23, 2009 8:50 AM CST

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(NEWSER) - America is reeling from the financial crisis, and the psychological strain has analysts carefully watching national suicide rates, Time reports. Though three high-profile European businessmen took their own lives recently, suicide rates have held steady at 11 per 100,000 people; during the Great Depression, they spiked at 17 per 100,000. But there is still reason for concern, say some. More»

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Suicide Rate Rising

Data shows uptick in suicides during recession

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suicide • recession • suicide rate • suicide prevention • recession suicide

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More Newser Stories

Lithium in Water Cuts Suicide Rate

Japanese study links trace amounts in water supply to less suicides

Will the Recession Drive Up Suicides?

We're better prepared now, but rates are still tied to cultural trends

Marines' 'Poster Boy' for Suicide Prevention Kills Self

Clay Hunt did 'everything right,' still couldn't be saved

Suicides Cost Japan $32B

Depression, suicides exact huge toll on Japanese economy

Jobless Flood Suicide Hotlines

Calls spike 18% from January to May

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Data shows uptick in suicides during recession

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

suicide • recession • suicide rate • suicide prevention • recession suicide

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Lithium in Water Cuts Suicide Rate

Japanese study links trace amounts in water supply to less suicides

Will the Recession Drive Up Suicides?

We're better prepared now, but rates are still tied to cultural trends

Marines' 'Poster Boy' for Suicide Prevention Kills Self

Clay Hunt did 'everything right,' still couldn't be saved

Suicides Cost Japan $32B

Depression, suicides exact huge toll on Japanese economy

Jobless Flood Suicide Hotlines

Calls spike 18% from January to May

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?