An unsettling trend is increasing in Iowa, as well as across the nation. The amount of reported suicide deaths is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, from 2005-2016 the suicide rate in Iowa increased by about 35.4%. The 2016 suicide rate was 14.6 per 100,000 people, which was the 29th highest in the country.

Dr. David Brown, an ISU Extension and Outreach Human Sciences Specialist serving Guthrie County, says that number is continuing to increase. He says the risk is greater among middle-aged, Caucasian women, those with a lower degree of education achieved, and those living in rural areas. He also says Iowa’s lack of mental health options is a contributing factor to the increase.

Brown talks about a particular employment sector that’s seeing an increase in suicide deaths. “Farming’s a really dangerous occupation and the two most hazardous occupations across the nation are farming and mining. Now farmers even have the highest mortality rate from stress related illnesses. Individuals who are working in farming, fishing, and forestry also have the highest overall suicide rate as compared to any profession, even the military.”

Brown says that contributing factors to the rise in suicide among farmers include: isolation, stressful work environment, home/work imbalance, and uncontrollable elements such as weather and commodity prices. To hear more on the increased number of suicides in Iowa, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.