# Why are so many Americans killing themselves and others compared to other countries **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 26, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975 "2021-05-26T18:55:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/21 "2021-05-27T14:39:46Z")
\*Canadianosity don’t shoot me ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/22 "2021-05-27T15:47:18Z")
Canadiativity? ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/23 "2021-05-27T17:16:42Z")
Canadiality. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/24 "2021-05-27T17:19:54Z")
But how does one boil down into one trite word “United Statesiality”? This country doesn’t really have a single simple one-word name but rather our name is a whole descriptive phrase “United States of America”, and “America” isn’t really an accurate one-word name either although it’s commonly used that way. “USAian” is commonly used, but too contrived and not quite pronounceable. ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/25 "2021-05-27T17:24:44Z")
> [@Bootb](#): > > The OP is starting from the wrong premise. If you take a look at country-by-country numbers, there is no apparent correlation between suicide rate and gun availability. > > This is a single year, 2005, but it should suffice to make the point. That doesn’t surprise me. I work with suicidal patients. Someone who really wants to kill themselves will find one way or another to do so. Not having a gun won’t dissuade them. I assume the OP included suicide to include those mass murderers who kill themselves rather than be taken alive or killed by law enforcement in a shootout. In the strict sense of the word, those are suicides, but IMHO I wouldn’t include them in the same category as someone who is suicidal and kills just themselves. ETA: As far as homicide goes, that’s a different story. Guns, guns, and guns is the answer. It’s obvious, and the solution is equally obvious. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/26 "2021-05-27T17:33:39Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > This country doesn’t really have a single simple one-word name but rather our name is a whole descriptive phrase “United States of America”, and “America” isn’t really an accurate one-word name either although it’s commonly used that way. We’ve been using American since the 17th century. It’s a little too late to worry about accuracy at this point. ---
**Author:** ![yarblek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/71e660/32.png) [@yarblek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yarblek)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/27 "2021-05-27T17:35:48Z")
The US is more individualistic vs community or society oriented compared to many other countries. Less access to social services and greater income inequality and/or poverty. Unhealthier lifestyles in general, which can lead to mental health issues. Racism. Those might be some of the reasons. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/28 "2021-05-27T18:21:11Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > …and “America” isn’t really an accurate one-word name either although it’s commonly used that way. > > “USAian” is commonly used, but too contrived and not quite pronounceable. Which is why I prefer 'Merkin. With full knowledge of what that word also means. After all, if the shoe fits, wear it. ---
**Author:** ![Dogginit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogginit/32/16920_2.png) [@Dogginit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogginit)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/29 "2021-05-27T18:56:51Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > The notion that someone with a handgun is going to engage in a shootout with someone already firing is ludicrous. [It does sometimes happen.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clackamas_Town_Center_shooting) The concealed carry holder did not discharge their weapon due to bystanders beyond the shooter, but was in a position to do so. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/30 "2021-05-27T19:05:11Z")
Not really. Was of an _attitude_ to do so. Or at least said so later. They did not have the tactical position to do so. That is a clear field of fire, decent backstop, and sufficient cover or concealment to make counterattacking a non-suicide mission. Soon enough some armed somebody will have all those things and will stop a mass shooting early(er) than it would have run out on its own. And may then get shot by the police who’re just showing up and still sorting good from bad when this guy makes his move. Going to be interesting to watch. The USA is going to continue having mass shootings at least weekly for years with the current propaganda war going on. ---
**Author:** ![Ranch\_Dip](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranch_dip/32/5238_2.png) [@Ranch\_Dip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranch_Dip)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/31 "2021-05-27T19:17:11Z")
Systemic racism exists. But I don’t think it is at the root of some Americans being against social programs. I think Capitalism is the cause of that. And also the Puritan roots, if you don’t work, you shouldn’t eat. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/32 "2021-05-27T22:30:36Z")
Canada is also a capitalist nation. I thought it was telling, however, that the OP mentioned the sense of security he felt from the adverse effects of misfortune. Capitalism is fine, maybe even great. But a toxic version of it with a poor safety net might not be optimal. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/33 "2021-05-27T22:40:22Z")
> [@Red\_Wiggler](#): > > Capitalism is fine, maybe even great. But a toxic version of it with a poor safety net might not be optimal. Only partially on-topic: I’ve often said that unfettered capitalism (which we really don’t have – not by a country mile – but it still needs a lot of work) is like letting your children raise themselves. I think what the US has is more akin to Social Darwinism. And I _do_ think that no end of aspects of that are significant contributors to misery, angst, chronic distress, and violence. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/34 "2021-05-27T22:57:38Z")
I agree with all of that. And one thing that our toxic capitalism has bred in too many of us is that worth = productivity as measured in a capitalist sense. Somehow it pains many of us to see the cares of our poorest and least productive alleviated. We need a new perspective on that going forward. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/35 "2021-05-27T23:01:19Z")
> [@Red\_Wiggler](#): > > I agree with all of that. Yeah, and I agree with what you wrote, too. Bo-ring 😃 Were it not for “American Exceptionalism --” that is: pay no attention to what other counties are doing that’s working better – we might be able to raise the bottom without dramatically lowering the top, and have a much more civil society. Among other approaches, though, we have to radically review perverse incentive industries (ie, those that, by definition, profit from misery). ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2021, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/36 "2021-05-27T23:07:07Z")
Don’t even get me started on our national refusal to acknowledge that somewhere someone else might be providing a template for a possible solution to some of our own problems. We have as much of a character problem as we do a systemic one. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/37 "2021-05-28T00:45:15Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Maybe they don’t consciously think about these things, but unconsciously there is an assumption that America is theirs and the system is meant to work for them. Then they grow up and can’t make ends meet and it sparks psychological issues that aren’t as common among most non-whites, because those non-whites know the system is stacked against them and was built that way. Well, I think for a lot of people the assumption is that the system is supposed to “work for them” as long as they are willing to put in the work. And I think that system isn’t working for a lot of people. Not just unskilled and working class people either. I think regular middle-class people are feeling that pressure as well. ---
**Author:** ![Ron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecae2f/32.png) [@Ron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ron)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/38 "2021-05-28T01:22:58Z")
The news don’t report on suicides. Maybe if they did, we’d all understand whats going on and know if there was a problem? It also seems like when ever a suicide is reported, the universal answer is to tell everyone that if they ever think of suicide to call a number that no one can remember. I guess its both a bit of an insult to the people that did kill themselves that we all assume they NEVER called and asked for help, and that the people that answer the suicide number are sooo great that anyone that calls them NEVER ends up killing themselves. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/39 "2021-05-28T06:36:45Z")
> [@yarblek](#): > > The US is more individualistic vs community or society oriented compared to many other countries. Less access to social services and greater income inequality and/or poverty. Unhealthier lifestyles in general, which can lead to mental health issues. Racism. > > Those might be some of the reasons. We suck. We really do. The suckiness is other-worldly. 'Cause it’s not like we suck in the way some dirt-poor sucky backward nations suck. Nope. Those poor suckers are the victims of circumstantial suckage. Now some of those circumstances truly suck, that’s for sure, and what makes them even more suckworthy is that those circumstances were caused by our suck-filled country and other sucking capitalistic Empires of Suck over the centuries. We, in the USA, suck so much more than those dirt-sucking countries because in this country we have every single goddamn thing we could ever need or want and we STILL suck. We could eliminate all our own personal suckages PLUS the suckiness we consistently shit onto other sucky countries. Ya know, if we just stopped that we could end the suckiostity both here AND in most of the rest of the world. But we won’t because Fuck, we suck. ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2021, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975/40 "2021-05-28T07:10:23Z")
> [@Bootb](#): > > If you take a look at country-by-country numbers, there is no apparent correlation between suicide rate and gun availability. [But if you look at state by state numbers, there absolutely is a correlation](https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/dmc7541/viz/GunSuicideCorrelation/Sheet1). A pretty strong one, in fact. There are multiple variables involved in suicide rates and many countries have vast differences in some of those variables. Nebraska is far more similar to Idaho than Greece is to Japan. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-americans-killing-themselves-and-others-compared-to-other-countries/942975.md?page=3)