Suicide rates are rising for middle-aged adults. Clockwise from top left: David Foster Wallace (46), Robin Williams (63), Anthony Bourdain (61) and Kate Spade (55) took their own lives. Photo: Clockwise from top left: Zuma Press; Getty Images (3)
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The recent suicides of two well-known figures—celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and fashion designer Kate Spade —underscore a sobering reality: Suicide rates for people in middle age are higher than almost any other age group in the U.S. and rising quickly.

A report released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that suicide rates for women 45 to 64 increased nearly 60% between 2000 and 2016. For men of the same age the suicide rate increased almost 37% over that time.

No group of women saw a higher suicide rate. Among men, only those 75 and over had higher rates than the 45-to-64 group.

Mr. Bourdain was 61 at the time of his death. Ms. Spade was 55.

Overall, suicide rates in the U.S. increased 30% between 2000 and 2016. A separate CDC analysis released this month found that suicides have risen in almost every state.

Experts say mental illness, substance abuse, loneliness and financial and relationship problems all have contributed to suicide rates increasing. But it’s unclear why suicide appears to peak in middle-aged people.

“Life satisfaction hits an all-time low in middle age. This dip in happiness is known as the U curve,” says Samantha Boardman, a clinical instructor in medicine and psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

“Depression and stress are particularly high in this age group. Juggling responsibilities and managing multiple roles takes a toll and can lead to feeling overwhelmed, a loss of control and despair.”

Tragic Toll

Suicide rates have risen 60% for middle-aged women and 37% for middle-aged men over 16 years.

Suicides per 100,000 adults 45 to 64 years old

Women

6.2 deaths

2000

9.9

2016

Men

2000

21.3 deaths

2016

29.1