the rise of suicide in middle aged white America: retirement no longer bonus, but time of struggle

[Runningdawg]

60. Montana isn't the only one. Here in OK

In the past 2 years I have lost 3 friends to suicide - Ages 47, 51 and 55. All were males. 1 was a vet with PTSD, the other 2 had ongoing chronic illnesses, that had ruined their lives financially. One committed suicide when the sheriff came to evict him. In the same length of time I have lost 2 female friends - Ages 52 and 50 who died from illness that weren't discovered until just a few days before their deaths, since they couldn't afford healthcare, even with insurance.
Finally one female friend, tried but did not succeed with taking her own life. She made the attempt after her Dr retired and the Dr that took his place refused to refill any of her chronic pain meds.
I'm 55, as a child, I thought I would live to be 75-80. With the way things are now, I think I will be lucky if I see 60. Just for the record, I have no plans to commit suicide, unless I am diagnosed with a terminal disease. In that case, the sooner the better. I won't allow my family to be forced into bankruptcy by my illness and death.