People born in the 1960s and 70s stand out as the generation most likely to die by #suicide or drug poisoning, data for England and Wales shows.
The higher rate of fatalities began in the 1980s and 90s when people belonging to Generation X were in their 20s, and is still occurring in the now middle-aged cohort, says the Office for National Statistics.
Public Health England says the trend overlaps with patterns of heroin use.
But other factors will also contribute.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is oe of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Opioids
Heroin use increased markedly through the 1980s and early 90s, which is when the rise in drug-related and #suicide deaths among #GenerationX began.
Fast-forward to 2017 and opioid drugs, which include heroin, contributed to around half of drug poisoning deaths – 1,985 of 3,756 – in England and Wales.
Again, 40 to 49-year-olds from #GenerationX had the highest rate of drug misuse deaths.
A similar age pattern is seen for deaths caused by #suicide. In 2017, 49 was the age at which most people died by #suicide, whereas in 1993 it was 22.
Deprivation
Changes in #male #suicide rates (which make up the bulk of suicide statistics) in Europe from the early 80s to 2011 show a link to unemployment and financial instability or poverty.
Deprivation has also been linked to drug poisoning deaths.
In 2017 – the latest figures available for England and Wales – there were more #suicides among the most deprived communities across most age groups, but rates were highest among middle-aged people.
Ben Humberstone from the ONS said: “The reasons behind these deaths are complex, but our most recent data suggests that those currently living in the most deprived communities are at the highest risk.”
The next set of statistics on drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales in 2018 are due to be published on Thursday, with data on #suicides out next month.
Prevention
The Samaritans charity says the findings should help inform policy into #suicideprevention.
Samaritans spokeswoman Charlotte Simms said: “We know that #suicide rates are currently higher among people in their 40s and 50s and particularly among men.
“But this data from the ONS suggests it isn’t just related to age but is a risk that has been carried by a generation of people and there are lessons to learn from that.”
She said the Samaritans’ own research suggests relationship breakdown and job instability are important risk factors for this higher risk group.
“This is a generation – a buffer generation – caught between an older one and a more progressive younger one. Their father may have had a job for life, yet they may not.”
She said while the overall male rate of suicide has been falling in recent years, there has been an increase in #suicide rates among younger people, which is also concerning.
“We need to reach people before they get to crisis point. It’s about embedding suicide prevention in all areas of policy – housing and welfare, for example – to tackle inequalities.”
Stephen Buckley, from the #mentalhealth charity Mind, said it was possible that people born in the 1960s and 70s feel a greater sense of #stigma in talking about #mentalhealthproblems and seeking help than those born since then.
“It’s important that anyone who needs support for their #mentalhealth is able to access it. Every suicide is a tragedy and most are preventable which is why we need to see meaningful change for people trying to access support now.”
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
