> Highest suicide rates have traditionally been among the elderly. Is it then a "moral panic" if we are concerned about rising suicide rates in teenagers?
I agree with you. Another way of making the same point:
The negative impact on those left-behind is much higher for a 15 year old who commits suicide than for an 85 year old. The 15 year old's parents may well spend decades grieving their loss; the 85 year old's parents will be long dead. Given that, I don't think it is unreasonable for society to focus the bulk of its attention and resources on youth suicide rather than elderly suicide.
I agree with you. Another way of making the same point:
The negative impact on those left-behind is much higher for a 15 year old who commits suicide than for an 85 year old. The 15 year old's parents may well spend decades grieving their loss; the 85 year old's parents will be long dead. Given that, I don't think it is unreasonable for society to focus the bulk of its attention and resources on youth suicide rather than elderly suicide.