Suicidal Middle-Aged Women
A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showed "more than 8.3 million adults in the U.S. had serious thoughts of committing suicide in the last year." Also, the SAMHSA study revealed more than "2.3 million American adults made a suicide plan and more than 1.1 million adults attempted suicide in the past year."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
In a separate SAMSHA study, suicide among middle-aged women increased by more than 49 percent.
Medical experts believe stress, depression, substance abuse and sleep issues may all play a role in the increased rate of suicide among middle-aged women.
In an interview with MSNBC, Albert Woodward, Ph.D., the project director of SAMHSA’s Drug Abuse Warning Network, said, ʺWomen over 50 may also be in crisis because of pain and sleep disorders.ʺ These two health issues are common among middle-aged women.
Also, findings from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which were released during an ABC News interview "revealed women ages 45 to 64 have the lowest well-being of any age group or gender."
Today’s middle-aged women are juggling their kids, their parent’s aging issues, marriages and careers. Also, the economy may have many facing serious money pressures. Middle-aged women have little or zero time for themselves.
As these women try to manage their lives, they may also be having health issues like long-term illnesses and pre-menopausal hormone fluctuations. These fluctuations may affect their mood changes.
All of these factors can be overwhelming.
According to SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., “Friends, family and all members of the community must do everything possible to help identify women who may be in crisis and do everything possible to reach out and get them needed help.”
Here are some common warning signs of someone who may be at increased risk for suicide:
• Have feelings of isolation or loneliness
• Depression
• Reckless behavior
• Act anxious or agitated
• Increased drinking or the use of drugs
• Withdrawn
• Mood swings
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Why am I not surprised that there are no comments...nobody cares about middle-aged women. If we all dropped dead tomorrow, I doubt anyone would notice. And people wonder why we are all killing ourselves...nobody cares when you're an old women.
February 27, 2012 - 10:53amThis Comment