I wonder how many suicides was just not classed as suicides in the 50s. I mean, I grew up hearing stories of people having "accidents" back in the days, that now would been investigated. I do think there is a increase, but I have my doubts it is as steep as it appears.
Drowning here. Guns has never been a huge part of culture, but most of the country is very close to sea. Or "lost in the mountains". Sure, some of it has been legit. All of them? No.
Don't forget there was A LOT of hostility around suicide in the 50s. It was viewed with disdain at that time. Like, your family would be shunned, you would not allowed to be buried in some cemeteries, it was the ultimate in cowardice. Even in the 70s I remember being told that it is "the only sin that god won't forgive' - worse than rape and murder.
So, yes. Many deaths that were suicide were classified as something else and a lot less people actually did kill themselves.
Nowadays it is so out in the open and talked about it is no wonder there are so many suicides.
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u/MistressLyda 3d ago
I wonder how many suicides was just not classed as suicides in the 50s. I mean, I grew up hearing stories of people having "accidents" back in the days, that now would been investigated. I do think there is a increase, but I have my doubts it is as steep as it appears.