Why is the rate of suicide above the New England average rate?
Maine’s suicide rate consistently ranks above the average for the New England States. It should be noted, however, that the New England states consistently rank lower than the nation as a whole. Annual fluctuations in the number of suicides, especially in states with lower populations, dramatically affects the rates. It is believed that the rural nature of the state, the perception that helping resources are not readily available and the easy accessibility to lethal means, especially firearms, all contribute to higher rates of suicide in rural New England states.
