Suicide in the USA

In the USA, the suicide rate is sharply increasing, according to the New York Times (NYT).

The New York Times: Suicide Rates Rise Sharply in U.S.

The NYT seems to be cautious to decide the reason of rising suicide. Indeed, to evaluate suicides as phenomena is quite difficult. Many factors can influence to suicide. Moreover, discussion about suicide is sometimes deemed to be impolite.
In Japan, it very often occurs that the family members want not to announce the fact of suicide. Doctor in charge perhaps forges the cause of death in the death certificate. Also in the US, the precise number of suicides may be unknown.

It is well known that financial crises can increase the suicide rate. In Japan, after 1999 the suicide rate was jumping up to over 30,000 in a year, as I wrote. The rate of suicide is about three times that of the US. It is similar to the US that suicides of only men were increased.

How about the method of suicide?
NYT hypothesizes that availability of opioid drugs is related to the increased rate of suicide. I cannot judge this opinion for lack of knowledge. Actually, drug misuse is a serious problem, causing damage to human brain to destroy one's life. However, drugs are not a cause of suicide, but a means in general. Whether regulation of dangerous drugs will reduce the suicide rate is unclear. Gunshot is the most common means of suicide in the US.
On the other hand, hanging is most common in Japan. Recently, CO2 toxication with briquette is growing. Most drugs prescribed by a doctor are not so fatal if overdosed.

If baby boomers in the US is wandering their future, it is very suggestive, for the current situation in Japan is mirroring this. Middle aged men in Japan are worried about the future. Some of people with younger ages has no expectation and are trying to change their lifestyle. Perhaps, world changing is to be happening.

Interestingly, the suicide rate is decreased in this year in Japan. I do not know the true reason. Some researchers suggest the influence of economic recovery. But I am doubtful about it. Whether the policy of Abe administration, called “Abenomics” will success or not is yet unknown. Whether or not, if some people believe the happiness in the future to stop suicide, it is very glad.