What's more, the rate has continued to climb ever since. Guys who are 25 to 29 years old now are more than twice as likely to kill themselves as their grandfathers, the study found.
That staggering stat is partly due to the fact that the granddads—born in the early ‘30s—had the lowest suicide rate of the century among men, according to the study.
But it’s also evidence of the tough times younger generations face.
Study author Julie A. Phillips, Ph.D., a professor of sociology at Rutgers, rattles off a list of broad changes since the 1960s that might contribute to this dark trend: Divorce rates are rising and marriage rates are falling, resulting in more people living alone; obesity rates are climbing, along with associated health problems; and the lousy economy and unstable employment prospects certainly don't help.
"All these forces may combine to affect psychological well-being and stress levels, and to enhance feelings of social isolation," Phillips writes.
With so many stressors, it's not hard to see how some men are driven to despair. But if you or someone you know is feeling low, know these resources are available:
Hotlines
1-800-273-TALK (8255): The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will connect you confidentially to a counselor at a suicide crisis center 24/7.
911: If someone is attempting to kill himself, call
