Socio-economic position
There are systematic socio-economic inequalities in suicide risk. Socio-economic position can be defined in many ways – by job, class, education, income, or housing. Whichever indicator is used, people in the lower positions are at higher risk of suicide. As you go down each rung of the social ladder, the risk of suicide increases, even after taking into account underlying mental health problems. There is debate over precisely how low social position increases suicide risk. Suggestions include having many more adverse experiences, powerlessness, stigma and disrespect, social exclusion, poor mental health and unhealthy lifestyles. Unemployment in the UK is higher among men than women. This is related to the decline of predominantly male types of employment, such as manufacturing. Men have also been affected by the general trend towards irregular work patterns, insecure or temporary work and self-employment, and the current recession.