Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The article speculates about causes, but that is not its subject, the subject being the rates themselves and the changes in the rates. One possible cause is economic hardship (Great Recession of 2008). The article notes that historically, suicide rates go up in times of economic hardship.
One possible cause that I wonder about (but which has only the briefest mention in the article) is drug use. We boomers were the first generation in the history of the world to partake in mind-altering drugs in significant numbers. I wonder (without having any evidence one way or the other) whether drug use early in life (say, in one's 20's), even if not continued, could have negative effects which show up later on.
Respectfully disagree.
ether, coca, opium, etc
lol I couldn't control the bolding
I wonder if suicides were sometimes under reported, for various reasons. Also, we discuss on c-d quite regularly whether or not we will take matters into our own hands when life no longer seems worth living. Perhaps opting out is more acceptable at some points in history than others.
The chart shows "Unintentional injuries" at 15%, which I take to mean falling off a ladder, hitting your head at home, dying from a home accident of some type. This is a big concern since alot of older boomers live alone and while they might have contemplated suicide due to poor life quality, the death actually happened in another way. I always thought I probably will die in my house while hanging up curtain rods after falling off a ladder and stabbing myself in the chest with the screwdriver. This is a very sad thread. I wish I hadn't read it.
I'm going with the guess that some of the prescription drugs we take now cause people to commit suicide...and I'm not just talking about drugs used to treat psychological or mental problems.
That's my first guess.
My second guess is less religious people these days and those less religious people don't think suicide is a sin.
So let's hear it Boomers. We are all going to die someday so how would you like to go if you had your choice. May as well get down to it. I am totally bummed today.......
So let's hear it Boomers. We are all going to die someday so how would you like to go if you had your choice. May as well get down to it. I am totally bummed today.......
Have to wander what how the increase compares to other groups. How many suicides are listed as over doses also that don't show up in stats. I know in many cases doctors would list accident or over dose to save family from stigma in past times.
This is a subject close to my heart. I've been diagnosed with "suicidal ideation" which means I think it's going to be the answer to all my ills.
I also believe that elective euthanasia should be formalised. It is already occurring every day in every hospital, where doctors are required to increase pain relief to fatal amounts.
I think everyone should have a living will, which states what action to take if you're incapacitated and can't speak for yourself.
I also believe the shame of suicide needs to be eradicated. I feel its a persons right to decide how they end their own lives, and folks shouldn't be so horrified about it.
Suicide occurs when the pain of living outweighs the joy. Sometimes this world can be an ugly grim place and I don't blame anyone for wanting to get off.
The real tragedy is when the young suicide. That's so sad...but us old guys are far more likely to make a rational decision.
Most single car accidents are suicides in disguise.
Most single car accidents are suicides in disguise.
How do you know that?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.