The Centers for Disease Control or Prevention (CDC) published a report on suicide rates rising, comparing recent data to rates from almost 30 years. The results show that suicide rates in young adults and teenagers are rising as well as rates among middle-age adults.
Suicide is a public health issue that involves psychological, biological and social factors. According to the CDC, the rates in the United States had remained in a consistent decline during the period of 1986 to 1999.
Recent investigations have shown that rates have increased in the period between 1999 and 2014. The numbers state that suicide rates among adolescents and young adults are becoming one of the main causes of death for the group.
Greater annual increase in suicide rates
The report published by the CDC divides suicide rates into female and male groups. It also shows the prevalence of method including categories like firearms, poisoning, suffocation and other means.
According to the published numbers, the age-suicide rate in 2014 was 13.0 per 100,000 population, 24 percent higher than 1999 rates. While studying rates, investigators found a pattern that assured the suicide rate increase was about 1 percent per year since 1999.
Suicide has become the second main cause of death for children and young adults between the ages of 10 to 24 years old. Over 5,000 teens and young adults died in 2012 by suicide, says the CDC.
The concerning numbers have also shown that rates in young girls have increased since 1999. According to the study, 1.7 per 100,000 girls between 10 and 14 years old have died by suicide in 2014. Meaning one out of every 200,000 in the 1999 rates.
Researchers also found that poison was the most common suicide method for females in 2014 and guns the prevalent method for 2014. Although suffocation has been attributed for both sexes since 1999.
Prevention and help
Suicide affects millions of people on a daily basis. It has become a main issue in the United States, but loved ones and friends can help people suffering.
Risk factors for suicide include, depression, talk about death, talk about feeling trapped, unbearable pain or feeling like a burden, anxiety, social isolation, family violence, among others.
Source: CDC