In a past event, the Western world succumbed to the crushing grip of the Great Depression.
4-minute read
Following the governor's order to close all public places due to the Coronavirus, residents of Wyoming, a state with a sparse population, have expressed concern. With a density of just 2.3 inhabitants per square kilometer, seclusion is deeply ingrained in the region, posing a significant long-term public health issue.
The American West maintains a lingering attachment to the wild frontier, a sentiment reflected in Wyoming's slogan, "Forever West," and in Montana's quarters adorned with a bison skull. Utah commemorates the transcontinental railroad, immortalized in a Sergio Leone film. Despite their romanticized depictions, these symbols mask a somber reality for the contemporary West - a region reeling from a steep rise in suicides.
According to health institution data, more than 48,000 Americans took their own lives in 2018. Middle-aged white men, aged 45-64, appear to be most vulnerable, and these tragic incidents occur more frequently in rural areas. States like Montana (28.9), Alaska (27), Wyoming (26.9), New Mexico (23.3), Idaho (23.2), and Utah (22.7) exhibit the highest suicide rates. The cowboy culture prevalent in the West may offer insight into this crisis, as men are often instilled with the values of self-reliance and the idea of "pulling oneself up by the bootstraps." This ethos can deter them from seeking help when they encounter difficulties. Machismo aside, geography plays a vital role as well. The West's vastness intertwined with its sparsity can lead to prolonged isolation, fostering feelings of depression. Winter, in particular, is known to induce sadness, as the cold and snow force individuals to remain isolated within their homes, amplifying sentiments of loneliness and boosting alcohol consumption. The restrictions prompted by the health crisis may further exacerbate these issues.
Since 1999, suicides in the United States have risen by a third, surpassing the number of lives lost in traffic accidents and homicides. "Deaths of despair" - a term coined to refer to deaths resulting from suicide, drug abuse, or alcoholism - have contributed to a decline in Americans' life expectancy from 2015 to 2017. Economic hardship may not be the primary culprit, but rather a general sense of existential despair escalated by a lack of meaningful social interactions. Tackling depression in rural areas can be particularly challenging due to insufficient treatment facilities and a scarcity of psychiatrists in remote counties. However, in some rural communities, firearms, which are easily accessible, are alarmingly abundant. Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho have ownership rates of 53.8%, 52.3%, and 56.9%, respectively.
Research suggests that several factors contribute to the higher suicide rates in rural areas:
- Limited Access to Mental Health Services: Rural communities often lack the necessary mental health facilities, making it difficult for individuals in need to receive adequate support.
- Easy Access to Firearms: Suicide by firearm is more prevalent in rural areas, where rates of gun ownership are higher.
- Social Isolation and Economic Challenges: Rural communities often face economic hardships and social isolation, which can intensify mental health issues.
- Cultural and Demographic Factors: Males in rural areas, particularly those between 25 and 34 and 45 and 54, have higher suicide rates compared to their urban counterparts. The cultural values of self-reliance and reluctance to seek help can contribute to the underdiagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
- Geographic and Environmental Factors: The distances between rural communities combined with harsh weather conditions and a lack of connectivity can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty accessing emergency services, worsening mental health challenges.
These factors create a complex nexus where suicides are more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban centers. Understanding and addressing these factors are crucial to alleviating this public health crisis in the American West.
Science and mental health are crucial in addressing the rising suicide rates in rural areas of the American West. In these regions, limited access to mental health services, easy access to firearms, social isolation, economic challenges, cultural factors, and geographic and environmental factors contribute to higher suicide rates compared to urban centers (health-and-wellness). Understanding these factors and developing targeted interventions could help mitigate this public health crisis, fostering healthier communities (science).
