The full moon has long been associated with various beliefs and myths. Some think that it affects a person’s behavior, while others argue that it showcases the beauty and mystery of the night sky. However, one of the most debated issues about the full moon is its correlation with suicidal deaths. It is said that suicide rates tend to increase during the full moon week, and many people have tried to uncover the reasons behind this phenomenon. In this article, we will explore the possible explanations for why suicidal deaths spike during the full moon week. We will examine scientific research, cultural beliefs, and other possible contributing factors to help shed light on this intriguing topic.
A recent study conducted by psychiatrists at Indiana University’s School of Medicine in the US has found a connection between deaths by suicide and full moons. The researchers suggest that the increase in light from the full moon could lead to an increase in suicides during that period. Along with ambient light, timing also plays a role in the body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates sleeping and waking patterns. Moonlight could be throwing off that natural rhythm at a time when it should be darker.
The team analysed data from the state of Indiana over a period of five years and found that deaths by suicide significantly increased during the full moon, especially in individuals over the age of 55. Furthermore, they found that September is a peak time for suicides, with 3 pm to 4 pm being a peak time of day. “Our work shows the full moon, fall season, and late afternoon are temporal windows of increased risk for suicide, particularly in individuals who suffer from depression or alcohol use disorders,” says Alexander Niculescu, the study’s author.
The researchers used blood samples taken by the coroner from some of the people who had committed suicide to identify biomarkers in the body that could predict such events. They found that genes that regulate the body’s circadian clock, which controls the sleeping and waking patterns, were the main biomarkers for suicidality that are predictive of death by suicide during full moon, peak hour of day, and peak month of the year, compared to outside of those periods.
Niculescu and his team previously developed blood biomarker tests for other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as pain. The effect of ambient light and body clocks in suicide needs to be studied more closely, along with how people sleep and their exposure to light, says the study. The researchers plan to study changes in light, circadian clock genes and cortisol levels in a controlled environment to further understand how suicides are related to ambient light and body clocks.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of a spike in suicidal deaths during the full moon week is a complex and multi-faceted issue. While many may dismiss it as a mere superstition, there is evidence to suggest a correlation between the lunar cycle and mental health. Understanding this correlation is important in order to provide better care and support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies. It is also important to remember that suicide is a preventable tragedy and that there is help available for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Together, we can work towards reducing the number of suicides and promoting mental wellness.
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