The suicide rate is at a 15 year high, as measured in 2010, the height of the recession. But it’s important to realize that 80 to 90 % of suicides are by individuals with a severe mental illness, most often bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or depression. Economic distress probably exacerbates the other 10-20 % and gives those already disturbed one more reason to give up. Also of note in this excellent article, psychotherapy is essential to dealing with suicidal thoughts…but is often not gotten as often as medications. READ MORE…
Ninety percent of suicides are the result of a diagnosable mental illness, experts say. The three leading disorders that cause suicide are: bipolar disorder and depression, alcohol abuse, and schizophrenia, said Firestone, who noted that nearly 50 percent of suicides occur under the influence of alcohol.
“What we’re finding as well is that people are relying more heavily on drug treatments for suicide and less on psychotherapy, and I don’t think suicide can be treated solely by drugs,” said Firestone.
Triggers of suicide can vary depending on age, said David Castro-Blanco, a professor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Bullying, for instance, is a common driver of teen suicide, but is not as relevant in adults.
The elderly are the fastest-growing group by age in terms of suicide, said Castro-Blanco. The contributors to this rise, which he suspects are also related to economic downturn, are certainly worth investigating, he said.
Suicide is also on the rise is in the military. Since 2010, more military servicemen have committed suicide than died in combat.