Unemployment Can Triple the Risk of Suicide

Apr 1, 2009 Angela Wilson

With recent economic turmoil, unemployment is on the rise and the United States has experienced record foreclosure rates.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center conducted a literature review of relevant research published in the past two decades. The review showed that a strong relationship does indeed exist between unemployment, the economy, and suicide.

A chain of adversity can begin with unemployment that can eventually lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Losing a job that one depends upon (both financially and personally) contributes to individuals losing a sense of personal control, which can lead to hopelessness and despair.

Depression is Common in the Unemployed

The most common outcome from unemployment is depression. It’s important during a time of unemployment to seek out as much social and emotional support as possible. A loss of hope is a big predictor of suicide, so trying to stay hopeful during the jobless time of your life is essential to straying from depression and potential suicide risk.

Financial Problems and Suicide

Associated financial outcomes, like mortgage foreclosures and loss of retirement security, haven’t been researched with respect to suicide. However, whenever people experience increased stressors, suicide risk increases. Financial problems can result in despair, shame, and humiliation. All of these experiences can trigger suicide attempts.

Unemployment Does Not “Cause” Suicide

Unemployment is one of many factors that contribute to suicide risk. Although unemployment is associated with increased rates of suicide, other common contributing factors can coincide with unemployment like mental health problems (for example, body dysmorphic disorder) and substance abuse.

Researchers from the Wellington School of Medicine reported that suicide linked to unemployment (in their overview of the population versus suicide) was just 6%, and mental illness is a factor in around half of all suicides. Suicide risk factors are not clear cut; it’s important to evaluate the entire individual – not just assume that because someone is unemployed they will commit suicide. Consider all the contributing suicide risk factors.

Bad Economy Increases Suicide Risk

With companies across the country laying people off, no one is safe from unemployment in a bad economy. The links between unemployment and suicide are more evident in the older, male population.

According to the research team at the Wellington School of Medicine, men and women aged 25 to 44, and men who were aged 45 to 64 who were unemployed were two to three times more likely to commit suicide as their employed peers.

Reduce Suicide Risk during Unemployment

Learn how to relieve anxiety and stress when unemployment hits. Improve mental health and decrease suicide risk by engaging in activities that relieve anxiety and emotional distress.

To get started, people can strengthen connections with friends and family, make time to workout, take the time to prepare healthy meals, find a new hobby, and seek re-employment training.

Unemployment can be a great time to re-invest time and energy into self. Individuals who need more help and support can seek help from a faith leader, doctor, or community health or mental health clinic.

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