Job Loss, Depression, and Suicide

During the first quarter of the year in 2009,  WakeMed in Raleigh reported that suicides were up 64% with 41 successful suicides and with attempts and complaints of suicidal thoughts up 31% over 2008. This coincided with the aftermath of the mortgage crisis and increasing unemployment. These disturbing numbers bring the results of a recent analysis of suicide and the economy home.

In a study by the Center for Disease Control released last week, the rise in the number of suicides has been correlated to historic economic declines.  While this trend might seem obvious, the study published in the American Journal of Public Health is the first research to actually link financial trends with  self-annihilation. The study found that suicides not only rose during high impact financial disasters such as the Great Depression but also during less dramatic downturns such as the 70s oil crisis or the double-dip recession of the 80s.  On the other hand, suicides decreased during boom-times like the unprecedented economic growth of the 90s.

In a related study in the United Kingdom,  people who weathered layoffs and job-losses best were those who approached their loss with a good attitude. Again, there is little surprise here. These individuals were able to disconnect from the lost job quickly and overcome the pain and shock of their dismissals.  They took a "new day" approach and accepted that the old job was gone but believed a satisfying new life was waiting.  Those who handled unemployment best often found solace in volunteerism, self-employment, study, and part-time work. Through this kind of activity, the jobless individual did not allow unemployment to become the central part of his identity.  This in turn helped him cope with his situation in a healthier manner and help him avoid paralyzing depression.

These two studies put a human face on bad economic times. One is a sad statistic about despair and the other a hopeful message about coping.  The CDC study clearly indicates that support for an unemployed person should include watching for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors and other mental health problems that may lead to suicide. The U.K. study suggests that productive activity should be encouraged for its therapeutic value and that a realistic but positive outlook should be promoted.

If suicide is a concern, please call the Hopeline at (919) 231-4525.

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