New CDC report breaks down the risk of suicides for every job industry… with very surprising results | TodayHeadline
Men who work in coal mining are at the highest risk of suicide in the US, according to an official analysis of 2021 figures.
For women, suicide rates were highest among artists and those who work in performing arts and construction.
Meanwhile, those least likely to die by suicide were those who worked in teaching – and this applied to both men and women, the CDC data showed.
A second analysis looked at the change in suicide rate between 2001 and 2021, and noted a stark increase of 33 percent in the US working-age population – those aged 16-64.
In 2021, a total of 37,602 people of working age died by suicide, compared to 24,767 in 2001.
Coal miners, builders, and machinery operators are some of those most at risk of suicide, according to the new data.
The CDC analyzed suicides by industry and occupation in 49 states to guide suicide prevention strategies. The analysis revealed that industries such as mining, construction, vehicle repair, arts and entertainment, and farming had higher rates of suicide compared to the average across all sectors.
It is well known that mental health problems are prevalent in miners. A 2021 study found that more than a third of coal miners and former coal miners with black lung disease struggle with depression, and over one in 10 have recently considered suicide.
Artists are also thought to be at higher risk of suicide due to their higher prevalence of mental illness, particularly mood disorders. Studies have shown that artists and writers are up to 20 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder and 10 times more likely to have depression.
The industry with the lowest rate of suicides for both men and women was education. While little research suggests why this may be the case, some experts speculate that teachers’ empathetic and thoughtful characteristics make them less likely to choose methods of suicide that kill them.
Suicides in America have surged to record highs, reaching almost 50,000 last year. The rise has been attributed to increased pressure from social media, the isolation caused by the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis.
The CDC report highlights the need for targeted suicide prevention strategies in high-risk industries such as mining, construction, and arts and entertainment. By addressing mental health issues and providing support and resources to workers in these fields, efforts can be made to reduce the alarming rates of suicide.
Overall, the report sheds light on the devastating impact of suicide in different job industries and reinforces the importance of prioritizing mental health support and prevention programs across the workforce.
Suicides are a complex issue with multiple underlying factors, but by raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, it is possible to save lives and create a safer and healthier work environment for all.
