A recent study now confirms suicide is the leading cause of death in the US for people under 50. It is the second leading cause for 16 to 25 year olds, trailing “accidents”. We are concerned about the elderly electing suicide over natural death, but this is statistically low. The folks who live to be old usually do so on purpose! So what is causing these trends?
We live in a land of plenty, with little want, compared with our predecessors, however we are more psychologically disconnected. Isolation, feeling like a burden and fearlessness are the common traits of those completing suicide. Dig deeper and intractable depression, chemical dependency and family and finical stress play a role. We have also lowered the rates of medical illnesses in this age group, allowing suicide to be more predominant. So what can we do to impact this trend?
Refocusing on inner peace and the value of healthy connections is a start. We all wish to succeed in life, but balance is the key. Psychiatric illnesses must be recognized and their treatments valued and funded. Psychotherapy is for everyone. Resolving conflicts and healing relationships takes work. The change in perspective starts with each person individually. Society will follow. ( We hope!)