CDC: Among Women in Their Early '60s, Suicide Rates Increased By Nearly 60 Percent

Suicide rates among those 35 to 64 years old increased 28 percent (32 percent for women, 27 percent for men).
The greatest increases in suicide rates were among people aged 50 to 54 years (48 percent) and 55 to 59 years (49 percent).
Among racial/ethnic groups, the greatest increases in suicide rates were among white non-Hispanics (40 percent) and American Indian and Alaska Natives (65 percent).
Suicide rates increased 23 percent or more across all four major regions of the United States.
Suicide rates increased 81 percent for hanging/suffocation, compared to 14 percent for firearm and 24 percent for poisoning.
Firearm and hanging/suffocation were the most common suicide mechanisms for middle-aged men. Poisoning and firearm were the most common mechanisms for middle-aged women.

Most suicide research and prevention efforts have focused historically on youth and the elderly. This report’s findings suggest that efforts should also address the needs of middle-aged persons.

Suicide prevention strategies involve enhancing social support and community connectedness, improving access to mental health and preventive services, and reducing the stigma and barriers associated with seeking help. Other prevention strategies include programs to help those at increased risk of suicide, such as those struggling with financial challenges, job loss, intimate partner problems or violence, stress of caregiving for children and aging parents, substance abuse, and serious or chronic health problems.

The full report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

CDC’s Injury Center works to prevent violence, injuries, suicide, and their adverse health consequences. For more information about suicide prevention activities and research, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide.

For additional information on the Surgeon General’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, please see http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/national-strategy-suicide-prevention .

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and visit online at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org .

Painting: The Suicide by Edouard Manet, 1877-1881; Foundation E.G. Bührle, Zurich, Switzerland

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CDC: Among Women in Their Early '60s, Suicide Rates Increased By Nearly 60 Percent

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