A new federal government study finds the U.S. suicide rate has dramatically increased over the start of the new millennium, with such issues as the severe recession, increasing drug addiction and "gray divorce" believed to be fueling much of the rise.

The National Center for Health Statistics study found that they rate has risen even more drastically among middle-aged whites, particularly females.

Social Isolation, Rise of Internet may Play a Role in Suicide Increase

In addition, the study found such issues as increased social isolation, and even the rise of the Internet and social media may be contributing factors leading to the downward spiral of many.

In each of those instances, surveyors hinted that many of the victims seem to feel much more vulnerable to bullying, both of the old fashioned nature and the relatively new form of cyberbullying.

Researchers found "economic distress" and "dashed hopes" were the biggest contributors, particularly when it came to middle aged whites.

Over the last decade, a time rocked by the skyrocketing unemployment, rising foreclosures and an overall deterioration of the economy, suicides increased by an average of two percent annually, compared to just one percent from 1999 to 2006.

"People [were] growing up with a certain expectation and the Great Recession and other things have really changed that," said Julie A. Phillips, a professor of sociology at Rutgers University who studies the demography of suicide. "Things aren't panning out the way people expect. I feel for sure that has had an effect."

Researchers also detected an alarming jump in the number of deaths by suffocation -- mostly hangings. Overall, such forms of death rose by 89 percent and by 157 percent for white women.

Across America, suicide remains one of the 10 leading causes of death. Its rise comes in the face of a long-term decline of death rates for most other major killers, such as cancer and heart disease. In recent times, billions of dollars has been invested for increased research and development for new treatments in the areas of such diseases.

Researchers also concluded currently there are more than two suicides for every homicide, and among whites the ratio jumps to seven suicides for every slaying.

Despite far more women than men now attempting suicides, males tend to complete them at a higher rate, which researchers attribute to them using more lethal methods such as guns or jumping from buildings or bridges.

Suicide Rates Sharply on Rise for Females

Overall, data shows the suicide rate among females has increased by 45 percent, compared to 16 percent for males.

Researchers also found that the Internet can be a double-edged sword in terms of trying to keep the problem under control. While the web makes it much easier to disseminate prevention materials on a large scale, individuals can also simply Google the word "suicide."

The act of suicide can be an impulsive action or the end result of weeks or even months of planning. Researchers found being a victim of violence or child abuse increases the likelihood of one attempting suicide, as does having parents who are substance abusers or have been incarcerated.

Mental illness and substance abuse or also other conditions typically associated with suicide rates.

"We now know it's a mental health condition," said Jill Harkavy-Friedman, vice president of research at the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide. "We know it's preventable. The research and the funding have not kept up with that yet. As the stigma dissipates, that is going to change. But we have to put the money behind it."

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