MINNESOTA: The middle aged, especially men, are at a growing risk of suicide

Minnesota Public Radio

Mirroring a nationwide trend, Minnesota has seen a disproportionate rise in the suicide rate among men between the ages of 45 and 64. In response, suicide prevention leaders are encouraging prevention efforts designed specifically to reach this group. “Most of the campaigns that have been developed for suicide prevention have been around youth or, in the past, around seniors,” said Dan Reidenberg, executive director of SAVE, a national suicide prevention group. “But there’s been very little developed specifically for adult males.” SAVE recently created a TV public service announcement to reach potentially suicidal middle-aged men. The Minnesota Department of Health is currently drafting a new state suicide prevention plan, which will include more emphasis on workplace prevention training and on collecting data about middle-aged men and other high-risk groups.

Spark Extra: Read a research summary about disease as a suicide risk factor for older and middle-aged adults.