Suicide can be such a "taboo" word, provoking strong emotions depending on your views and your experiences. Most people who attempt suicide do not really want to die, but they feel so overwhelmed with stressors, they feel so hopeless about their situation that they do not see any other way out.
Historically, bad economic times have been followed by increases in suicide attempts and death rates. During the Great Depression, suicide rates rose from 14 to 17 for every 100,000 Americans from 1929 to 1933. Today, people who lose their job, their house, or their retirement plan, find themselves in a difficult predicament. They feel that they lose control of their life. One might see an increase in the rate of alcohol or substance use, or even domestic violence, all of which are risk factors for suicide. Some people might even feel responsible and guilty for their predicament. In either case, people may not realize that they need help or they are too ashamed to ask for it.
I was once told that "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." No matter how difficult the situation might be, one has to know that there is help available. One can talk to a family member or friend, to their priest or pastor, to a professional like your family doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. There is even a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) that one can call 24 hours a day.
I have not heard of increased suicide rates locally, but I have heard that local counselors are getting calls and appointments at a very high rate. The stress of families having loss of income from layoff’s, fear of more jobs lost, fear of Healthcare Reform and concern about what this may mean to the future, home foreclosures, etc. It’s overwhelming trying to keep up with (and attempt to understand) the media reports. What people do understand is much of it is negative. You are right, “suicide is a permanent solution to a temproary problem.” I would also urge people feeling overwhelmed to call for appointments with professionals. Taking care of self is not self-ish. And, there is no shame in talking to someone or even taking medications, if needed. Families recover from “finding out” one went for help. They don’t recover near as well when a loved one takes their life.
Glad to see that you are providing education and resources for our area. Keep up the good work. I hope this gets people talking about all sorts of topics. For example, this topic iteself lends itself to a whoe blog on Anxiety. Fear = Angst often!