More Suicide among the Middle-Aged

The Great Recession did more than take people's jobs and empty their bank accounts. It may be the reason for the startling increase in suicide among middle-aged Americans.

Between 1999 and 2010, the suicide rate among Americans aged 35 to 64 climbed 28 percent—from 13.7 to 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people in the age group. The annual number of suicides among 35-to-64-year-olds grew from 14,443 to 21,754 during those years.

Within the 35-to-64 age group, the suicide rate increased the most among people in their fifties, with the rate rising by 48 to 49 percent among those aged 50 to 59. By race and Hispanic origin, the rate increased 40 percent among non-Hispanic whites, but barely changed for blacks or Hispanics. 

Source: CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Suicide among Adults Aged 35-64 Years—United States, 1999-2010