Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally with approximately 800,000 people dying by suicide annually.

Although the reasons for suicide are complex, and there are a variety of factors that contribute to it, occupation can be one of the risk factors. Certain professions are at a higher risk of suicide than others due to various reasons, including high stress, long working hours, exposure to trauma, and inadequate support from colleagues and management.

In this article, we will analyze the occupations with high suicide rates.

Healthcare Professionals and Suicide

Healthcare professionals are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population.

The demanding nature of the job, long working hours, exposure to trauma, and inadequate support from colleagues and management are all factors that increase the risk of suicide. A study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that suicide rates among physicians were 1.41 times higher than the general population.

Suicide rates among nurses were also high, with a study showing that nurses had a suicide rate of 11.97 per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than the national average of 8.5 per 100,000 individuals.

Military Personnel and Suicide

Military personnel, particularly those who have been deployed in combat situations, are at a higher risk of suicide. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day.

The reasons behind this are complex, and include PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and a lack of support and resources for mental health. However, it’s important to note that suicide rates among military personnel are not only related to combat. For example, suicide rates among active-duty service members who have never been deployed are also high.

Law Enforcement Officers and Suicide

Law enforcement officers also have a higher risk of suicide than the general population. The nature of the job, which involves exposure to trauma, violence, and stressful situations, can be a contributory factor.

A study by the Ruderman Family Foundation found that there were more police officer suicides than line-of-duty deaths in 2019 in the United States.

Furthermore, the suicide rate for police officers is higher than that of the general population, with studies showing that they have a suicide rate of between 18 to 40 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national average of 13.26 per 100,000 individuals.

Legal Professionals and Suicide

Legal professionals, including lawyers and judges, also have a higher risk of suicide. Working in a high-stress environment, long work hours, and exposure to traumatic events can all contribute to the risk of suicide.

A study by the American Bar Association found that 28% of lawyers were experiencing depression, and 19% were experiencing anxiety.

Furthermore, the suicide rate among lawyers is higher than the national average, with a study by the Journal of Addiction Medicine revealing that lawyers had a suicide rate of 36.3 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national average of 12.9 per 100,000 individuals.

Journalists and Suicide

Journalism is another profession that has a higher risk of suicide. The job involves exposure to trauma, long working hours, and high stress levels, which can all contribute to mental health issues.

A study by the University of Westminster found that journalists had a higher rate of PTSD than the general population, with 6% of journalists experiencing symptoms of PTSD compared to 3.5% of the general population.

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Furthermore, suicide rates among journalists are higher than the national average, with a study by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma revealing that journalists had a suicide rate of 10.4 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national average of 8.5 per 100,000 individuals.

Firefighters and Suicide

Firefighters, who are often exposed to traumatic events, hazardous materials, and risky situations, are at a higher risk of suicide. The job is also physically demanding, and the long working hours can lead to mental health issues.

According to a study by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the suicide rate among firefighters is higher than the national average, with a suicide rate of 18.1 per 100,000 individuals compared to the national average of 14.5 per 100,000 individuals.

Construction Workers and Suicide

Construction workers are also at a higher risk of suicide than the general population. The industry is stressful and can often involve long working hours and physical labor.

Furthermore, there is often a lack of support available for workers dealing with mental health issues. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that construction workers had a suicide rate of 53.2 per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than the national average of 14.5 per 100,000 individuals.

Teachers and Suicide

Teaching is another profession that is associated with a higher risk of suicide. The demands of the job, including long working hours, grading and lesson planning, can be stressful and can lead to mental health issues.

Furthermore, inadequate support for teachers dealing with mental health issues can contribute to the risk of suicide. A study by the American Psychological Association found that teachers had a higher risk of depression and anxiety than other professions.

Furthermore, the suicide rate among teachers is higher than the national average, with a study by the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology revealing that teachers had a suicide rate of 16.5 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national average of 12.93 per 100,000 individuals.

Veterinarians and Suicide

Veterinarians are also at a higher risk of suicide. The job is often stressful, involves long working hours, and can be emotionally demanding.

Furthermore, there is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among veterinarians due to the nature of the job. A study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that veterinarians had a suicide rate of 39 per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than the national average of 12.93 per 100,000 individuals.

Farmers and Suicide

Lastly, farmers are also at a higher risk of suicide than the general population. The job involves financial and production pressures, long working hours, and isolation, which can lead to mental health issues.

Furthermore, there is often a lack of mental health resources available to farmers. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmers and agricultural workers had a suicide rate of 84.5 per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than any other profession.

Conclusion

Ongoing researches displaying a link between suicide rates and professions have facilitated in raising awareness to tackle the issue.

Recognizing professions that are at higher risk of suicide underscores the need to provide support for their mental health. This includes providing resources for mental health care, as well as creating a work culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing.

Ultimately, changes made to address mental health issues in the workplace can help reduce the number of suicides among different professions.