Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. Suicides Linked to Chronic Pain, Study Finds
Grab your coffee, because this is one sobering tale about pain and the potential danger it poses.
What the Numbers Say
- Out of 123,181 recorded suicides between 2003‑2014, 10,789—or about 9 %—showed signs of chronic pain.
- That share climbed from 7.4 % in 2003 to 10.2 % in 2014.
- Back, cancer and arthritis pain topped the list of why folks were hurting.
- More than half of these victims took a gun, while 16.2 % died from opioid overdoses.
- Those with chronic pain were three times likelier to test positive for opioids at death.
In short, chronic pain is bumping up the risk bar for suicide. It’s not a definitive verdict, but the data points this way hard enough to warrant action.
Why It Matters
Doctor Emiko Petrosky, a CDC epidemiologist, notes that mental health problems—depression and anxiety—were more common in people facing chronic pain. “If you’re wrestling with relentless discomfort, it’s a perfect storm for other health snags,” she says.
Petrosky and her crew point out that 25 million U.S. adults carry everyday pain, and 10.5 million deal with intense, daily pain. That’s a massive segment of the population at risk.
Experts Weigh In
- Paul Nestadt from Johns Hopkins warns that opioids are depressants, shouting, “Depression can lead to suicide, and opioids can spike depression.”
- Michael Barnett of Harvard says there’s no single drug that truly tackles chronic pain. “Opioids and NSAIDs work for acute pain but not the stubborn chronic type,” he tells us.
- Ajay Wasan highlights that chronic pain might be an under‑coded risk factor, implying the real numbers could be higher. “We’re probably underestimating how many people actually had chronic pain at the time.”
The Bottom Line
Pain management isn’t just about pain anymore—it’s about integrated, patient‑centered care that bundles drugs with mental health support. Health providers must keep an eye on the pain‑killer meter and the mental state of their patients. It’s a heavy duty job, but it could save lives.
HELPLINES
When Life Feels Heavy: Quick Contacts for a Fresh Start
Feeling like you’re stuck on a treadmill that keeps running away? You’re not alone. Below is a quick‑look cheat sheet of hotlines that can help you or someone you care about. Pick up the phone, dial, and let someone listen.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
- Telephone: 1800‑221‑4444
- 24/7, no‑questions‑asked support.
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
- Hotline: 1800‑283‑7019
- Professional help and resources.
Sage Counselling Centre
- Phone: 1800‑555‑5555
- Therapy with a human touch.
Care Corner Mandarin Counselling
- Support in Mandarin: 1800‑353‑5800
- Speak naturally, feel understood.
The Bottom Line
Talking about tough stuff can feel like a big, scary step, but these lines are ready to catch you. Think of them as lifelines you can swing from at any time, day or night.
Remember:
- It’s okay to ask for help.
- You don’t have to go it alone.
- Even a quick chat can lift the weight you’re carrying.
