Spring Suicides 2018 - 2023: Why Do Suicide Rates Increase In The Spring?

"April is the cruelest month," this is what Mr. Eliot shows the world in The Waste Land. As April is the onset of spring, then can we say that it's about the onset of the season of suicides? It's a saying and belief that suicidal thoughts and attempts by people go higher in winter holidays as people are in their homes alone, and such suicidal thinking can easily provoke them. Surprisingly, science has a different vision and belief than it has been considered for the past 50 years. According to science and data collected from workers in mental health and emergency rooms, Springtime is the suicide time. Even psychiatric syndrome sufferers tell us that December isn't the culprit as the emotions are quiet in this month, while the real struggle starts when the tulips start blooming.

There is nothing good in suicide, whether it's winter or summer, or any time of the year. We must care for those people who have suicidal thoughts, as we can't ignore, not them or not their sentiments. If you think that a person who is struggling with suicidal thinking in winter or December is safe, you are wrong, as the season doesn't define what people can do and what not. You simply can't do this; instead, help such people and make them realize that life is worthy. Let's read the theories behind the relationship between spring and suicide and some effective ways to help your loved ones fight against depression and save them from suicide.

Statistics About Suicide Rates

According to one study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suicide rate rises in the spring and summer months, particularly in March, April, May, June, July, and August, while they are at their lowest in December. This study is basically the analysis of 45 different studies that examine seasonal patterns in suicide rates. Another misconception is that suicides spike during holidays like Christmas and New Year's, but the reality is that suicide rates actually decrease during these times.

In line with these findings, recent news reports have highlighted a concerning trend of rising suicide rates correlating with warmer temperatures. For instance, a report dated March 29 from Eugene, Oregon, an area where suicide rates are notably higher than the national average, revealed an uptick in suicide-related calls to emergency dispatchers. This increase aligns with both national and global trends, showing a surge in suicide rates during the spring season.

We have compiled some data for your understanding, which shows you that winter months have a lower number of suicide cases in the US than warmer months. The source of information is the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Suicidal Rate By Month Of 2018 To 2023

Here is the suicidal rate by month of 2018 to 2023, with the most suicidal month of the year in red color and the least suicidal month of the year in green.

Year	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022 (provisional	2023 (provisional
Month
January	3966	3833	4026	3890	4147	4255
Febuary	3596	3561	3652	3568	3801	3750
March	4011	4161	3952	3996	4107	4114
April	3920	4029	3473	3722	4024	3976
May	4190	4052	4091	4375	4262	3976
June	4378	4050	3960	4087	4272
July	4356	4193	4168	4092	4367
August	4300	4181	4040	4367	4345
September	4136	4109	3908	4232	4112
Ovtober	4127	4043	3781	4278	4079
November	3651	3597	3704	3962	3908
December	3713	3702	3559	3898	3956

Biology Behind Suicide & Self-Harm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a noticeable increase in suicide rates beginning in early April, which gradually declines as we move into May. The article on LiveScience shows the researchers' findings from their examination of physical and social causes of the increase in suicide rate in Spring.

According to Dr. Adam Kaplin, who was a Johns Hopkins' psychiatry and neurology professor in Baltimore, people with depression aren't able to commit suicide in winter as they do not have enough energy to implement their plan. As the sunlight and the day's length start increasing, they get enough energy to follow through with their suicide plans.

According to another study, sunlight also changes feel-good chemical serotonin levels, which may make a person more aggressive. In the case of depression, this increase in serotonin can lead to self-harm. At the same time, other researchers believe that the suicide rate increases due to melatonin, whose production is inhibited by sunlight. The change in melatonin level also influences our behavior. Moreover, other studies also show that an increase in inflammation, barometric pressure, and other physiological events can become the reason for increasing depression and a rise in suicidal thinking.

Another potential factor contributing to this phenomenon could be the persistent influence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly known as winter blues. When compounded with the societal expectation for individuals to feel joyful during certain times, this combination can create a detrimental cycle leading to depression. Another theory suggests that bipolar disorder also gets worse in Spring and summer because of the development and enhancement of self-destructive behavior.

Suicide And Social Interactions

Most people don't like anything on cold days, whether it's exercise, dinner, or traveling. It doesn't matter who has or hasn't psychiatric syndrome because it's a time of emotional hibernation, and it's the same thing for all people. We try to live alone, confined in our houses, sleep more, and avoid interaction with others as much as we can on cold and bleak days.

As the temperature rises, so does the pressure of social interaction. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in rural areas of developed nations. During winter, when agricultural activities slow down, people tend to stay indoors. However, with the arrival of Spring, there's an increase in social activities related to farming—buying supplies, attending markets, and interacting with others. For many individuals, this sudden increase in social engagement can be overwhelming and stressful.

The increase in suicide rate in Spring and summer may be due to the heightened potential for disappointment that comes with increased social interactions. The pain of feeling socially disconnected becomes more acute when there are ample opportunities for connection. A study conducted in Austria further supports this theory by showing that inmates in the penal system, whose social interactions are closely monitored and not influenced by seasonal changes, do not exhibit a seasonal increase in suicidal behavior.

Therefore, it can be inferred that the seasonal variation in suicidal behavior is linked to social factors. In contrast to inmates, who have consistent social interactions regardless of the weather, individuals in the general population may experience a fluctuation in their social connections, leading to heightened distress during times of increased social interaction, such as Spring and summer.

Suicidal Rate & Environment

The fascinating part is Spring is a time of rebirth of flowers and leaves, but simultaneously, it brings the issue of itchy eyes and allergies. Moreover, Spring also comes with increased physiological inflammation.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology says that approximately 50 million Americans endure allergies annually. This means that a significant portion of the population deals with symptoms like hives, wheezing, and runny noses, especially during the Spring when outdoor conditions change. These symptoms serve as indicators of inflammation and the body's response to irritants.

Inflammation and mood disorders have a strong connection, as seen in research linking inflammatory agents to decreased self-care in animals and medications that induce inflammation to a heightened risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in patients.

Studies have found a correlation between increased pollen count and higher suicide rates, as well as elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in families affected by allergies.

Moreover, poor air quality, a consequence of warmer weather, is associated with greater depression and suicidal behavior due to increased air particles triggering inflammatory responses that worsen mood.

Seasonal Suicide Rates & Depression

There are theories regarding the increase in suicide rates in spring and summer months rather than in cooler ones. Which one is correct and which one is not is difficult to decide. However, the studies find some facts that are evidence of higher risk factors for suicide in warmer months.

According to some studies, as seasonal depression mostly occurs in the summer months, its link with Springtime suicide is clear evidence that season affects the suicide rates. According to a study conducted in 2019, it was discovered that a small percentage, specifically 0.4% of individuals, exhibit symptoms of seasonal depression during the spring and summer seasons. Moreover, the study indicated that a larger percentage, around 4.5%, undergo seasonal depression, specifically during the summer months.

Moreover, the research also discovered that experiencing summer seasonal depression correlated with mood disturbances on days characterized by a high pollen count. This finding contributes additional support to the notion that inflammation and allergies may contribute to mental health issues, alongside a rise in suicide rates, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Our all research urges us to remain aware of the risk factors of seasonal suicides so that we prepare ourselves to take preventive measures against it at the onset of Spring or summer. Quality treatment is essential for people struggling with depression so that they are able to manage symptoms and reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Three Important Things You Must Do To Help People Prevent Suicide

Without knowing the cause, late winter or early Spring is the best time to keep you educated about suicide prevention. Unfortunately, it is better that you know one or more persons who are currently observing suicide and learning about the warning signs. If there is someone you know might be at risk, you have to consider and remember three easy steps that are given below:

Ask:

Your first responsibility is to ask the other person if they are thinking about suicide or harming themselves. This is the most important thing you can do at the very first stage. Ask them directly and indirectly. It is a surprise for you that those who are thinking about suicide are willing to give an answer honestly. You can ask other questions as well to keep the conversation going. Continuing conversation leads the person to keep aside their intentions.

Listen:

If all the answers from these people show that they are having suicidal thoughts, keep them listening and allow them to express every thought they have in mind. Don't lower their morale and tell them everything will get better and that they need to pray for their condition. Make these persons feel guilty of suicidal thoughts, and don't leave them alone to take a harsh step. Stay with them or ask a reliable person to stay with them to keep them safe.

Seek help:

The next step is to seek professional help. Get your loved one appropriate and professional help. Give them instructions to call a crisis line for help, like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. If they are unable and unwilling to do so, call the helpline on behalf of the person. Encourage them to get help from a healthcare professional, therapist, or online therapy center. If the danger is not immediate, give them continuous assistance for a long time to solve the issue.

Whom Should You Call For Suicide Cleanup Service?

Suicide isn't a good thing, even not to think about; life is precious, and we all must be thankful for it. Our utmost try should be to protect the people around us from depression and suicidal thinking by all means. If, unfortunately, we lost a precious life due to suicide, what should be our next step? It's suicide cleanup, as it involves bodily fluids that are not only hazardous and put others' lives in danger by spreading harmful viruses and bacteria but also help the family of the deceased.

Many people think of cleaning the area by themselves, which is not accurate from a health safety point of view. Proper blood cleanup companies with professional teams are the need of the hour in such a situation as 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners.

When it comes to professional cleaning services, 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners is here to restore your home's livability by thoroughly cleaning and eliminating dangerous viruses. We understand the emotional toll of such situations and handle them with care.

Our team offers efficient blood cleanup services with 24/7 availability and highly trained, certified technicians. Using top-notch safety equipment and techniques, we disinfect buildings and vehicles.

Beyond biohazards, we use advanced methods to remove disease threats and odors, returning your home to its original state.