Baby boomers are killing themselves at an alarming rate, raising question: Why?

[Skidmore]

16. The problem is the "how little they are making" that leads to all sorts of

problems with self-worth, depression, poverty, and isolation. It is compounded by the constant drum of the "why don't you just die" crowd. When wealth is the guiding light for the society in which you live, not many are looking for the light of your spirit. I am struggling with this now. I lost a good job in 2007 at the same time I was diagnosed with cancer. After taking time to undergo treatment and recuperate, I attended a junior college to gain additional skills and certification in another area since the job market for my original training dried up. I already held a Master's degree in my field. Since obtaining an AA in a new area, I was able to work an unpaid internship and a brief stint as a temp in that field.

A couple of nights ago, I had vivid nightmares about finding myself with nothing and alone, utterly alone, and finding people around me staring at me with looks of contempt which conveyed to me that I was a problem for them. It is hard not to internalize the subtle and not so subtle messages that your entire nation is sending you. I'm tired of being bombarded with the mockery and disrespect of whole industries, the youth, and those of my own generation who have real wealth. Your worth is tied to your ability to contribute. The biggest disservice this nation has done the elderly is to foist the notion that the nuclear family is the only acceptable unit and to sell the notions that people need to try to live forever even if it means being warehoused for profit.