Colo. suicide increase linked to poor economy

Colorado’s suicide rate jumped to it’s highest rate last year since 1988, likely spurred by the poor economy, experts say.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 940 suicides in 2009, a ratio of 18.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

The ratio was 18.9 in 1998.

Jarrod Hindman, program manager of the department’s Office of Suicide Prevention, cited high unemployment rates, the ongoing recession, current conflicts in the Middle East and continued societal stigma as possible contributors to the increase.

Hindman said Colorado’s suicide rate is typically 40 percent higher than the U.S.  average.

The statistics come on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is Friday, Sept. 10.

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