Families in rural communities often face barriers that others never have to consider

Suicide risk is caused by a combination of factors, and many of those factors vary geographically. It’s not surprising, then, that we see suicide rates vary significantly from place to place.

A case study from Michigan sheds light on a national problem: in rural areas, suicide rates are often quite high, sometimes double the risk in more populated areas.

What the Michigan data shows

Data released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed climbing suicide rates across the state, especially among middle-aged residents. While the largest number of suicides were in highly populated parts of the state—after all, that’s where the most people are—on a per capita basis, the data showed that rural counties in the northern part of the state had the highest rates.

The overall suicide rate in Michigan in 2023 was 14.9 suicides per 100,000 residents, according to the data. But some counties have significantly higher rates—Alcona County, which covers a large rural area on the shores of Lake Huron, had 35.4 suicides per 100,000 residents for the decade ending in 2023, which was more than double the statewide rate.

What drives suicide risk in rural areas?

There are two critical characteristics of rural counties that tend to result in more suicides. First, in rural areas, access to mental health services is quite limited. Some residents may need to drive 40 miles or more to access a mental health provider in person.

Telehealth can partially compensate for these problems, but many rural areas also lack reliable internet access, so that is not a feasible solution for a large number of residents. More broadly, rural residents also lack access to the same kinds of broad, supportive social networks that are available in more populated areas.

Second, rural areas have much higher gun ownership than urban and suburban areas. Rural residents at risk of suicide are highly likely to own a gun or have access to a gun. And access to firearms is a major driver of suicide deaths, because guns are much more lethal than any other commonly used suicide method.

In other words, a suicidal person with access to firearms is much more likely to actually complete suicide.

Another driver of suicide risk is the high rate of poverty in many rural areas. Financial stress can increase the risk of suicide, and people living in poverty are less likely to be able to pay for mental health services and other supports, even if they could access them otherwise.

Suicide prevention efforts need to recognize the unique challenges of rural areas

Suicide is preventable (believe it!!), and prevention efforts, which will work, need to be tailored to the needs of different communities. In the case of rural areas, efforts must be made to find ways for residents to reliably access mental health services, given their geographic isolation and lack of infrastructure.

Medical professionals who serve rural areas need to be particularly aware of the risk of suicide, conduct proper screenings, and recommend appropriate, accessible resources. When they don’t, the consequences can be deadly.

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson proudly serves families who have lost loved ones to suicide completion throughout the United States, fighting for accountability and justice. We would be honored to listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options.

Give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.