LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan marks Suicide Prevention Week, the state is grappling with a harsh reality: suicide rates continue to rise, affecting every demographic and leaving a profound impact on families and communities. Despite ongoing efforts and increased awareness campaigns, suicide remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Michigan, highlighting the urgent need for more effective solutions and support systems.

Who is taking their lives in Michigan?

The 2024 Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission’s Annual Report revealed that 1,493 people died by suicide in 2022, translating to a rate of 14.4 per 100,000 people.

Understanding the crisis.

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Men bear the brunt, making up 78% of suicides. Middle-aged and older men, particularly those aged 75 and older, face high rates, often dealing with the challenges of aging, isolation, and declining health.

How are people dying and who are they?

Firearms are the most common method in the state, involved in 56% of suicides, followed by suffocation or hanging (24%) and poisoning (13%).

High-Risk Groups

  • Men Over 45: Men’s suicide rates are nearly four times higher than women’s
  • Rural Residents: These communities have high rates of suicide, most likely due to limited access to mental health care and social services.
  • Veterans: In 2021, Michigan lost 171 veterans to suicide, reflecting the toll of military service and the struggle of post-service life.
  • LGBTQ+ Youth: Nationally, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide last year, with 14% attempting it.

Economic stressors and mental health.

Money problems, job loss, and lack of access to mental health care significantly contribute to the suicide risk. High-stress jobs, particularly men in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, see higher rates.

Michigan reported 175 male suicides in 2022, equating to a suicide rate of 67.8 per 100,000, highlighting a serious issue within the predominantly male construction industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national suicide rate in the construction industry is shockingly high – four times that of the general population and 5.5 times higher than all other job site fatalities combined.

As part of Construction Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 9-13), the industry is taking action by teaming up with leaders to visit job sites, emphasizing mental health as an essential part of workplace safety. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote mental wellness in a sector that faces higher risks.

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Construction Dive, a leading source of in-depth journalism on the construction industry, recently highlighted the alarming risk factors contributing to high suicide rates among construction workers. Jessica Bunting, director of research to practice at the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), explained during a webinar that several factors drive this crisis. These include intense pressure to work fast with minimal errors, a predominantly male workforce that fosters a “tough-guy” mentality, widespread alcohol and drug use, limited access to healthcare, job instability, and high injury rates leading to chronic pain.

For women, suicide rates are highest for those who work in the retail trade, manufacturing, educational services and most notably the heath care and social assistance fields.

Looking across the state, Muskegon County had the highest suicide rates in 2022, followed by District 4 (Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties), Marquette, Sanilac and Chippewa.

Prevention efforts in Michigan.

The Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission, formed in 2020, is pushing for a multi-faceted approach that boosts mental health care access, strengthens community support, and raises public awareness. Their key strategies include:

  • Reducing Access to Lethal Means: Promoting safe storage of firearms and medications.
  • Expanding Crisis Services: Promoting the 988 suicide prevention hotline for immediate support.
  • Targeted Outreach: Culturally sensitive programs for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, and rural communities.
  • Education and Awareness: Teaching people to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to intervene.