Unemployment and Economic Troubles Leading to Increase in Calls to Suicide Hot Lines

You lost your job and are living on unemployment benefits to make ends meet. But that money has run out. And you still have no job. Slowly, whatever savings you have dwindles down to nothing. And you still have no job. You sell whatever you have left of your possessions till you are down to nothing. And you still have no job. Then you must move out of your home because you cannot afford the mortgage or rent. And you still have no job.

Now what's left for you to do?

Calls to suicide hot lines on the rise

One of the saddest and most frightening side effects of the unemployment crisis in America has been a steady increase in the number of calls to suicide hot lines. According to an article on AOL News, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(NSPL) have increased about 18% between January and May of 2010. In fact, the NSLP received an extra $1 million in funding for 20 programs targeting heavily stressed places like Michigan, whose unemployment rate is over 13%. The Los Angeles based Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services claims calls to their suicide hot line doubled between 2007 and 2008 and there has been an increase in the number of callers with economic worries. And on more than one occasion, I have seen in the comments sections of articles written about unemployment referring to suicide as the 'only thing left.'

The relationship between suicide and unemployment

As I wrote in a previous article here on Associated Content, there is a casual relationship between unemployment and suicide. Why the connection? Studies show those who do commit suicide over financial woes often have other psychological problems, making them more vulnerable to the stresses of having no job and no money. During the Great Depression (1929-1939), suicide rates increased from 14 to 17 per 100,000 people.

Do you know someone who is unemployed and vulnerable to suicidal thoughts?

The Mayo Clinic lists the following warning signs of someone who may be feeling suicidal:

-Talking about suicide, including making remarks such as "I wish I were dead."

-Getting things that could be used to commit suicide, such as a gun or pills

-Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone

-Dramatic mood swings

-Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence

-Expresses feelings of hopelessness

-Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order

-Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again

If you or someone you know is expressing suicidal thoughts, call 9-1-1 immediately and don't leave that person alone.

Sources:

Scott Martelle Amid Lack of Jobs, Suicide Hot Line Calls Surge, AOL News, July 6, 2010.

Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidal, Mayo Clinic website, March 2010

The Great Depression, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, 2003

Jennifer Budd, Why Extending Unemployment Benefits is Good for America, Associated Content, May 31, 2010