Researchers at Indiana University have identified a pattern where suicide rates rise during the week of the full moon. This finding appears in a study published in the journal Explore Mental Health, drawing on a dataset from Marion County, Indiana, covering the years 2012 through 2016. The analysis showed a notable uptick in suicide deaths during the full moon week, with the rise more pronounced among individuals aged 55 and older. Source: Explore Mental Health.
The investigation examined official records of suicides within the specified period and noted a significant increase during the week of the full moon. This trend was especially evident in the older demographic, suggesting that age-related factors may interact with lunar phase cues in influencing risk. Source: Explore Mental Health.
Beyond the lunar connection, the researchers observed that the overall risk appeared higher in September, around the middle of the month, and during the early afternoon hours between 3 and 4 pm. These observations imply that high-risk patients may benefit from enhanced monitoring during the full moon week, with particular attention to late afternoon hours and the transitional period into September. Source: Explore Mental Health.
The authors of the study had earlier identified biomarkers linked to an elevated risk of suicide. They propose that these biomarkers could be related to human circadian rhythms, the internal biological clock that governs daily cycles of sleep and wakefulness. This line of thinking suggests a potential interaction between biological timing systems and environmental light cues. Source: Explore Mental Health.
Another possible explanation offered by the researchers is the role of increased light during a full moon. The amount of illumination in the evening hours may influence daily rhythms, which in turn could affect mood regulation and distress signals in vulnerable individuals. The study highlights light exposure as a factor worth considering when assessing risk during specific times of the year and day. Source: Explore Mental Health.
Altogether, the peak in suicides during the 3 to 4 pm window, along with the September timing, may reflect a combination of shifting environmental light, stress from daily routines, and seasonal transitions. For many people, September marks the end of summer and a return to routines, which can carry renewed pressures and mood challenges. These findings underscore the importance of continuous risk assessment and support strategies in clinical settings during periods identified as high risk. Source: Explore Mental Health.