What besides the serious economic and political crisis could be leading so many Greeks to suicide?

Suicide rates always rise, by as much as 40% in times of economic depression.
People feel hopeless, overwhelmed, exhausted and tired of fighting the good fight. I don’t necessarily think that everyone that commits suicide is psychologically disturbed. Especially older people in their 50’s and 60’s that see no end to their survival struggles and are also coping with failing heath, age related energy loss and are just plain fucking TIRED of it all.

The highest risk suicide group are males over age 60.
I know that if I end up having to work in Walmart in my advanced age I’d rather be dead. lol

I suspect that it really is only the desperate economic situation there.

I just read an article about this recently, can’t remember the source, but…therapists are reporting a marked increase in suicidal clients in crisis.
Something like an increase from one or two a month to one or two a week in these trying times.
Of course this is ONLY the segment of the population that has still have jobs and medical and mental health benefits and are actually seeking out private therapy for their depressions and hopelessness.

I can’t really suggest anything concrete as to why they are. But find the answers you received interesting. As I have probably been through the worst two years of my life financially. Or maybe they seem worse because of advancing age. Mine is due to depression, but I would like to share, and maybe off topic, what I have learned, and what has inspired me. In this trying time.

I am my strongest asset. I have put to good use, talents I did not know I have as well as talents I knew I had and have earned money.
I sincerely cut the cloth not only to suite my pocket, but more to relieve some stress.

During this time of self discovery and having no savings left, as I had used them up over a four year period, I knew I had to start something with no capital. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

I have also spread my prospects over different types of jobs and industries. The problem with me though is my depression. But I guess I wrote that to try and inspire someone.

What @downtide said. I suspect we may be headed in the same direction, since austerity seems to be the watchword in DC these days.