Spring

Suicide Rates Increase in Spring

Suzanne Sibole Suicide Prevention , , , ,

Suicide rates increase in the spring

Spring has sprung, so to speak, and it’s time for a reminder that research data indicates that suicide rates are higher in spring. In fact, they are higher during the spring months than at other times of year, which may feel a bit counterintuitive. It is estimated that 700 suicides occur each week in the United States. During the spring months, this number increases by roughly 15%, to 800 suicides per week.

Conventional wisdom would have us believe that rates are higher during the dreary months of winter and around the winter holidays. In fact, records from as far back as the 1800s show a peak in suicide rates during the spring months. One study conducted in 1995 followed rates in both the northern and southern hemisphere and found that rates were highest during each hemisphere’s spring months.

While there are a number of theories, none has been proven as the definitive explanation. Most focus on biological factors such as increased energy or inflammation that occurs in the body during spring. One theory postulates that increases in pollen also trigger anxiety producing chemicals in the body. Others seek social explanations such as the increased social activity that typically occurs after a winter of isolation.

What’s undeniable is this: suicide rates increase in spring

Regardless of the cause, this is a time for increased vigilance and a reminder to staff, parents, and students about the increased risk of suicide in the spring and early summer months. Parents should be especially watchful during the transition from school to summer. This is a perfect time to post an article on  your district website and in your next parent and staff newsletters to make sure everyone pays close attention to signs of depression and suicidality during a time when many of us erroneously believe the risk is lower.

Please visit Youth Risk Prevention Specialists to learn more.

Spring = High Rates of Violence

Suzanne Sibole School Violence Prevention , , ,

B & W Flower

Earlier in the week, I wrote about the increase in suicides during spring months. We also need to be increasingly mindful of indicators of potential violence at this time of year.

Spring = Higher Rates of Violence

In my research, I found a total of 96 confirmed injuries or deaths by shooting or stabbing in secondary and post-secondary schools during the months of April and May in the U.S. Of course, we want to be vigilant at all times, but even more so during this time of year. Whether the factors responsible for these high springtime rates parallel those involved in increased spring rates of suicide is unclear. Further research may help to clarify what role, if any, is played by springtime weather, social, and biological factors in these high rates.

Below is a list of April and May dates that have been host to the tragedy of a school shooting (it may not be exhaustive). Some of the incidents have included suicide of the perpetrator. Because individuals who are contemplating an act of targeted violence often identify with, and wish to emulate, previous attackers, these dates may be significant to a given individual. It is a time to be particularly vigilant, especially with persons of concern.

April 2, 1867, 1921, 2012
April 5, 1975
April 6, 1904, 1918
April 7, 1977, 1982
April 9, 1891, 1952, 2014
April 10, 1996
April 11, 2014
April 12, 1919, 1982, 1887, 1994, 2013
April 13, 2015
April 15, 1908, 1993
April 16, 1974, 1987, 1999, 2007, 2013
April 17, 1981, 1956, 1984
April 18, 1918, 2013
April 20, 1984, 1961, 1999
April 21, 2014
April 23, 1991
April 24, 1890, 1998, 2003
April 25, 1950
April 26, 1978, 2009
April 27, 1936, 1966
April 29, 1920
April 30, 1866
May 1, 1920, 1992 (2), 1958
May 4, 1956, 1970, 2014
May 5, 2014
May 6, 1930, 1940
May 7, 1935, 2004
May 8 2014
May 9, 2003
May 13, 1969
May 14, 1992 (2), 2013, 2014
May 15, 1920, 1954, 1970
May 16, 1986
May 17, 1889, 1984, 2001
May 18, 1906, 1927, 1979, 2009 (2)
May 19, 1998, 1936
May 20, 1988, 1999
May 21, 1998
May 22, 1930, 1968
May 23, 1940, 2011, 2014
May 24, 1878, 1879, 1979, 1993, 1998,
May 26, 1994, 2000, 2012
May 28,1931

In addition, both the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Boston Marathon Bombing occurred during the spring, on April 19, 1995 and April 15, 2013, respectively.

I would not suggest that you disseminate this information to students or parents but I do recommend reminding all staff and parents that this is a time of year to increase vigilance regarding signs of both suicide and violence.

Spring = Higher Suicide Rates

Suzanne Sibole Suicide Prevention ,

Spring suicide rates

It may be counterintuitive, but the numbers show that the rates of suicide are higher in the spring than during other times of year. It is estimated that 700 suicides occur each week in the United States. During the spring months, this number increases by roughly 15%, to 800 suicides per week.

Conventional wisdom would have us believe that rates are higher during the dreary months of winter and around the winter holidays. In fact, records from as far back as the 1800s show a peak in suicide rates during the spring months. One study conducted in 1995 followed rates in both the northern and southern hemisphere and found that rates were highest during each hemisphere’s spring months.

While there are a number of theories, none has been proven as the definitive explanation. Most focus on biological factors such as increased energy or inflammation that occurs in the body during spring. One theory postulates that increases in pollen also trigger anxiety producing chemicals in the body. Others seek social explanations such as the increased social activity that typically occurs after a winter of isolation.

Bottom line: Spring = higher suicide rates

Regardless of the cause, this is a time for increased vigilance and a reminder to staff, parents, and students about the increased risk of suicides in the spring and early summer months. Parents should be especially watchful during the transition from school to summer. You may want to post an article on  your district website and include an article in your next parent and staff newsletters to make sure everyone pays close attention to signs of depression and suicide during a time when many of us erroneously believe the risk is lower.

For additional suicide prevention resources, please feel free to contact me here.