Why teachers and librarians have lower suicide rates-and what we can learn from them
Briefly

Recent research highlights the disparity in suicide rates across different occupations, revealing that educators are among the least likely to die by suicide. In contrast, professions such as loggers, musicians, and oil and gas workers face much higher risks. While the overall suicide rate in the U.S. has risen over the last 25 years, it is essential to analyze both high-risk and low-risk populations for effective prevention strategies. This can inform better interventions for those in higher-risk jobs by understanding the mental health protective factors present in professions with lower rates, such as education.
Data shows that educators in the U.S. are among the least likely to die by suicide, contrasting sharply with high-risk professions like loggers and musicians.
The suicide rate in the U.S. has been on the rise over the past 25 years, increasing to 14.2 suicides per 100,000 people by 2022.
High-risk groups for suicide include military veterans, men, older adults, and American Indian and Alaska Natives; their rates significantly exceed those of the general population.
The research indicates that while intervention is crucial for high-risk populations, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the mental health resilience seen in educators.
Read at Fast Company
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