Faith protects against suicide

By Abigail Mellier, May 4th, 2013 | Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Strong religious and social ties protect older African-Americans from suicide, according to new research.
Suicide is not uncommon among older people - but there’s a marked difference between the rates for white and African-Americans. The suicide rate among white men over 65 is 33 per 100,000 and for black men the figure is 11 per 100,000. For white women in this age group, the suicide rate is nearly five per 100,000 - but it’s so low for black women that the figure can’t be estimated reliably. But why the difference?

A survey among 835 Baltimore residents carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health reveals that African-Americans are more likely to take comfort and support from religious beliefs and social ties and this leaves only three per cent who have thoughts of suicide or that life isn’t worth living. Even when material disadvantage comes into the equation, they still feel satisfied with their lives. These findings may well be helpful to those working with depressed people in the community - maybe those who might choose suicide can be helped to find a spiritual and social dimension which is missing in their lives.