When I first started trading at the CBOT in the early 80's suicides were pretty common. I'd guess between 1980-83 a couple of dozen traders (even two women). A few "name" guys too. Chris Heymeyer's brother was Charmain of the Cotton Exchange and shot himself to death. Chicago news anchor Walter Jacobson's brother, Alan was a suicide after being blown out of a 650k losing bond long on the years low. There must have been something about that "era" that made suicide so prevalent because it's been uncommon since. When I came into the Bond pit a guy near me killed himself after losing 20 thou. No pun intended but that was a little bit of over-kill....
