Worryingly, the type of job a person pursues can enhance the risks for suicide, conclude researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some professions in the United States seem to face a greater threat.
In 2012, about 40,000 suicides were reported in the United States, which made it the 10th leading reason for death among those who were 16 or above, according to CDC.
The highest rate of suicides seems to be affecting manual laborers who are facing "steady unemployment and tend to work in isolation", explain researchers.
It was found that from 2000 to 2012, about 40,000 took their lives. The overall suicide rates for individuals aged 16 and above shot up by 21 percent.
The results also showed higher suicide rates among farmers, foresters and fishers. For every 100,000 Americans, 85 farmers, foresters or fishers plunged to their death, with the rate being higher among males---almost 90.5 suicides for every 100,000.
The high rates were also touched by miners, carpenters, electricians and others in construction, followed closely by mechanics.
Health scientist Wendy LiKamWa McIntosh, the lead author of the study and a researcher from the CDC, pointed out that the reasons are "job isolation, trouble at home and work, stressful working environments, lower income and lack of access to mental health services."
Moreover, farmers tend to be at greater risk due to other reasons, such as reluctance to seek mental health services, along with social isolation. Pesticides may negatively impact their neurological system and lead to depression.
The workers who showed the lowest rates included individuals in "personal care and service, office and administrative support, training and education." Even doctors and other health care professionals showed 80 percent lower suicide rates, while the last on the list was occupied by educators, teachers and librarians.
It is important to take a number of steps to reduce suicides. "Prevention strategies that enhance social support, community connectedness, access to preventive services, and reduction of stigma and barriers to help-seeking are encouraged," says CDC.
The study was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
