Suicide appears to be the ultimate individual act and yet, as Durkheim suggested, it can be driven by forces at the societal level.  Now research by Aaron Reeves, a post-doctoral researcher and adjunct lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford, demonstrates that the recession has led to 10,000 ‘excess’ suicides across the US and Europe.

Anti depressants appear to provide little protection. However, countries with government policies that support people to stay in work or give the hope of another job or a better future do have lower suicide rates.

Listen here to Aaron Reeves talking to Raj Persaud about this important research.

Featured photo by Sergey.

Tags: Austerity, Durkheim, Impact of Recession, Sociology, Suicide