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Suicide rate up for white, middle-aged men

Mental health officials say men often reluctant to seek help for stress, anxiety and depression.

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 2:20 PM Sunday, June 26, 2011

A 48-year-old husband and father ended his life in the early morning hours June 21 by jumping off Ohio’s tallest bridge.

He was the seventh person to do so in nine years, according to the Warren County coroner’s office. The incident follows a trend that mental health officials are tracking — the suicide rate among middle-aged, white men is higher than any other demographic.

Statistics show that most suicide deaths occur at home and more frequently on a Monday than any other day of the week, according to a six-year study by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Warren and Clinton Counties.

Statewide statistics show tough economic times may be a factor. The number of suicides increased from an average of 1,239 per year (2000-2007) to 1,402 deaths in 2008, when the economic recession began.

Seeking help for depression, stress and anxiety is a barrier for men, said Deanne Whalen, member of the Warren/Clinton Suicide Prevention Coalition.

“Men tend to connect their identities with their careers. They see themselves as the backbone of the family,” Whalen said. “They’re so worried about — ‘who’s going to see me, what are they going to think.’ They need to get beyond the stigma of seeking mental health services.”

Compared to 15 years ago, there are a lot more private and public mental health services available, said coalition chair Patty Ahtung.

Ahtung said it’s possible to help prevent a suicide.

“The key is to ask the question. If someone expresses to you that they are depressed, ask if they’re feeling suicidal,” Ahtung said. “People think if you talk about it, it puts the idea in their head. Chances are, they’ve already thought about it, and it’s usually a relief when someone asks.”

Lt. Mike Sanders of the Ohio Highway Patrol responded to the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge that night and assisted in the investigation. He said the man left his car parked near the construction area with the keys in it. The car was not disabled.

Sanders said after notifying the man’s wife, investigators learned he had left a letter at home for his family to read.

“In times of deep stress, people fail to look at the downstream consequences of their actions,” Sanders said. “They need to look at the broader picture. Most people have some connection to somebody in their lives who would listen to them.”

Suicide statistics from 2005 to 2010 for Warren and Clinton counties

141

Total suicide deaths

135

Of the total were white (96%)

119

Of the total were males (84%)

52%

Of deaths were of people ages 30 to 49

50%

Were married (25% were never married, 19%, divorced)

65%

Of suicide deaths occurred at home

Source: Suicide Prevention Coalition of Warren and Clinton Counties

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4542 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

Where to Get Help

24 Hour Toll-Free Crisis Hot line for Warren & Clinton Counties: (877) 695-NEED (6333)

Mental Health & Recovery Centers of Warren County: (800) 932-3366

Mental Health & Recovery Center of Clinton County: (937) 383-4441

Survivors After Suicide Support Group — For the most up-to-date group list, consult the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Cincinnati Chapter, website at www.afsp.org

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