Suicide is one of the top 10 causes of death in the US. In the next 20 years, it’s expected to cause more than two million deaths per year worldwide, ranking 14th in the world as a cause of death.
There are many factors known to affect an individual’s risk for suicide. For example, people who are older, male, white, divorced, low-income, isolated or who abuse substances are all at higher risk. Psychiatric illness, mood disorders and lack of social support are also recognized risk factors.
Several studies have demonstrated geographic variations in suicide patterns in the US, with higher suicide rates in western states.
Our ongoing research expands on those findings, showing that Americans who live in higher-altitude counties are at a higher risk for suicide.
Altitude and health
Increased elevation has been known to have a protective relationship with certain medical illnesses.
For example, people who live at higher altitudes are somewhat less likely to die from coronary artery disease or stroke. But increased elevation may also enhance psychological problems, such as panic attacks.
