U.S. Suicides Up 30% Says Centers for Disease Control

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Well-known CNN travel and food-show host committed suicide. Shown here with then-president Obama. Flickr.

[] Nearly 45,000 lives lost to suicide in 2016 .

[] Suicide rates went up more than 30% in half of states since 1999.

[] More than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US.

Suicide rates increased in nearly every state from 1999 through 2016. Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any single factor.

In fact, many people who die by suicide are not known to have a diagnosed mental health condition at the time of death. Other problems often contribute to suicide, such as those related to relationships, substance use, physical health, and job, money, legal, or housing stress.

Making sure government, public health, healthcare, employers, education, the media and community organizations are working together is important for preventing suicide. Public health departments can bring together these partners to focus on comprehensive state and community efforts with the greatest likelihood of preventing suicide.

States and communities can:

[] Identify and support people at risk of suicide.

[] Teach coping and problem-solving skills to help people manage challenges with their relationships, jobs, health, or other concerns.

[] Promote safe and supportive environments. This includes safely storing medications and firearms to reduce access among people at risk.

[] Offer activities that bring people together so they feel connected and not alone.

[] Connect people at risk to effective and coordinated mental and physical healthcare.

[] Expand options for temporary help for those struggling to make ends meet.

[] Prevent future risk of suicide among those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Suicide rates increased in almost every state.

Everyone can learn the signs of suicide, how to respond, and where to access help. Here are 12 suicide warning signs:

-Feeling like a burden
-Being isolated
-Increased anxiety
-Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
-Increased substance use
-Looking for a way to access lethal means
-Increased anger or rage
-Extreme mood swings
-Expressing hopelessness
-Sleeping too little or too much
-Talking or posting about wanting to die
-Making plans for suicide

Ask someone you are worried about if they’re thinking about suicide. Help them connect with ongoing support like the Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

View recommendations at: www.ReportingOnSuicide.org

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