None of us want to think about our deaths but, research has found that we are actually more likely to die on our birthdays.
Now, there are two ways of looking at this — one is that it’s very bleak to die on what should be celebratory but another is that the circle of life has completed and you’re leaving during the same season you arrived during.
Which is kind of beautiful.
Why you are more likely to die on your birthday
So, first of all, it could simply be because we are more likely to indulge in alcohol around our birthdays, according to BBC Science Focus. How many times have you had more shots because it’s your birthday?
Drinking can lead to poor decision-making and even fatal accidents.
BBC Science Focus also posited that terminally ill people often have milestones they’d like to reach and ‘hold out’ until they reach their birthday.
A 2016 study in Japan also found that people are 50% more likely to take their own lives on their birthdays.
According to Talkspace: “Not everyone feels happy on their birthday. For some people, birthdays can be a source of sadness, anxiety, and dread.
“Also known as birthday blues or the birthday effect, birthday depression can cause you to experience intense, negative feelings in the weeks and days leading up to and on your birthday.”
While all of these are possible suggestions, a 2012 study found that it’s a little more nuanced.
Researchers looked at the mortality data of nearly 2.4 million Swiss people over the age of 1 from 1969 to 2008 and they discovered that there was a 13.% increase in the potential for death on somebody’s birthday, with the rate rising to 18% for those over 60.
The main causes of these deaths were actually long-gestating cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, illnesses like cancer, and even accidents like falls. Men were actually 44% more likely to die by falling on their birthday.
Maybe on your next birthday, make sure you’re partying safely.
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.