HQ Team
January 6, 2025: Suicide remains a pressing global public health issue, with over 700,000 deaths annually. A recent study highlighted significant social determinants of suicide mortality. It counted the justice system involvement, exposure to parental suicide, firearm accessibility, and divorce or unemployment as key social causes that can trigger a person.
In contrast, religious affiliation was identified as a protective factor against suicide mortality, according to the study.
The study found that individuals released from incarceration experience a 10-fold greater prevalence of suicide mortality compared to the general population, with rates of 114.5 per 100,000 persons versus 11.1 per 100,000 persons in the general populace.
Witnessing or experiencing suicide within families can lead to increased risk, the research said. Easy access to firearms correlates with higher suicide rates. Divorce and unemployment, both factors contribute to emotional distress and increased risk. Children in foster care are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts, the study found.
The impact of demographics on suicide risk
The study also highlighted demographic factors that exacerbate suicide risk:
Middle-Aged Adults (35-65 years): Single or unmarried individuals and those with lower incomes showed significant increases in suicide risk. Essential workers and those experiencing workplace bullying or violence faced over a 50% increased risk.
Individuals with strong religious ties often report lower suicide rates. Being married is associated with reduced risk. For youth, feeling connected to school can protect against suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The suicide rate in the U.S. has risen by 40 percent in the past two decades, despite numerous efforts to combat it. Among children ages 15 to 19, suicide is the second leading cause of death and is the leading cause of death for 14- to 15-year-olds. “While there is an abundance of research on the impact of various social influences on suicide risk, there is limited research comparing how these factors relate to each other in terms of their contribution to suicide risk,” said Peter Jongho Na, MD, MPH, assistant professor of psychiatry, and the study’s lead author.
Recommendations for policy and clinical practice
Given the findings, it is essential to prioritize social determinants in suicide prevention strategies. Key recommendations include:
Implementing early interventions for individuals with a history of justice system involvement or foster care.
Connecting recently incarcerated individuals with mental health services upon release.
Promoting safe firearm storage practices and gun licensing requirements.
Addressing discrimination against marginalized groups, including gender and sexual minorities.
Suicide most often occurs when risk factors, including socio-environmental, cultural, familial, and neurobiological, increase the likelihood of an attempt, according to studies.
“While we know there is no one cause for suicide, understanding how overlapping social drivers, life events and other risk factors, including environmental, historical, and health-related factors can together impact someone’s suicide risk is critical to prevention,” said Christine Moutier, MD, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and co-author of the study.
Understanding the social determinants of suicide mortality is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. By addressing these factors through targeted public health policies and clinical practices, we can significantly reduce the incidence of suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to seek help. Reach out to mental health professionals or contact local support services.
