If poverty is so horrible, why do developed countries have higher suicide rates?

Question

It seems strange. Check this out: http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suiciderates/en/

If you sort this European and North American countries have much higher suicide rates than the poorer countries in South America and Africa. It seems like this indicates that the average person's understanding of human suffering (less food and more struggle to survive = more suffering) is wrong. Any theories?

Though of note: Eastern Europe and Japan have the highest suicide rate of all...

Answer 1

I would assume if you're fighting every mintue to stay alive, which you basically have to in many developing countries... you're a bit less likely to just kill yourself...

they probably value their lives more, since they have to fight so hard to keep their lives...

and frankly... I'm not sure they really keep count of suicides in undeveloped nations... they have other things to worry about... like their next meal... record keeping in many underdevloped countries isn't high on the list... especialy for those that kill themselves...

Answer 2

Because capitalism and conspicuous consumption are the root of all evil. When people learn that the accumulation of unnecessary possesions and social status are not the key to real happiness, then maybe suicides will decrease as they find fulfillment in more important things like love of family and friends. While material things can give us moments of great joy, it doesn't really make us happy in the long run. I look forward to the day when nanobots manufacture everything we need and labor and competition will cease to exist. A direct socialist democracy will be the solution to the chaos that's destroying our planet.

Answer 3

your information among the developed nations Japan has the highest suicide rates.

Developed nations have high level of suicidal rate because

1) High and stiff level of competition in every other field that they want to get into.
2) Fear of failure is high
3) Since the country is developed and sometimes people get into a certain lazy lifestyle from where they don't want to come out. Their brains stop thinking for solutions for their problems which pushes them to killing themselves.

There could be more reasons though

I hope this helped.

Answer 4

Im uncertain no remember if it rather is a chemical imbalance or the undeniable fact that each and every person of our social needs are met shall we generally be upset or depressed at how ealisy they are met. This fact makes existence no longer a challange and leaves some feeling empty and without self properly worth. the place as in arising countries persons are workin just to stay to tell the tale! it rather is a feeling very few people be responsive to!

Answer 5

You are assuming there is some relationship between money and suicide, and I think that is an invalid assumption to begin with.

If anything, wealthier people commit suicide, when they discover life is about more than money, and they come up empty.

I think developed countries have higher suicide rates because we value life more highly; ironically, suicide is the taking of the most valuable thing we possess: Our own life. Suicide is a mental health issue. Developed nations also have the highest rate of psychological depression.

Answer 6

They have the means to do the deed...buy a weapon. A developed nation has more time for leisure and higher expectations on life in general. The fall is harder and the depression more devastating. Poor countries have less money to build big Bridges and tall buildings so when they jump the fall never kills them. That is my metaphor.

Answer 7

Because the weaklings face higher pressure and tougher standards.

Answer 8

the rich are bored an heartless from idolizing money and possessions

Answer 9

Failed high expectations