America's Suicide Rate Skyrockets Among Middle-Aged

America’s suicide rate has increased markedly over the past decade for middle aged Americans. The biggest jump has occurred among white Americans, whose suicide rate per 100,000 population rose from 15.9 in 1999 to 22.3 in 2010. About 57 percent of suicides in America occur between the ages of 35 and 64. The suicide rate jumped in 39 out of the 50 states, and it increased most in the Western United States.

The most popular form of suicide among the middle aged remains guns, but replacing drug overdose in second place is hanging.

The media have suggested that the rising suicide rate is at least partially due to the down economy.

Note: this article has been corrected to reflect suicides per 100,000.