The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:01 PM

CDC: National Suicide Rates On Rise

The Centers for Disease Control is calling suicide a national public health problem.

New research shows suicides are on the rise in almost every state across the country. In 2016, nearly 45-thousand people took their lives. More than half did not have a known mental health diagnosis.

"We found that many common life stressors were present in the period preceding the suicide. Relationship problems, financial and job issues, physical health concerns," says CDC Deputy Director Dr. Anne Shuchat.

The increases have been greatest in people 45-64, and while suicide is more common in men than woman, there has been a rise in female suicides.

Signs and symptoms to look for include isolation, agitation, anger, alcohol or drug use and changes in sleep patterns.

Dr. Christine Moutier is the chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

She says anyone can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-talk or text "talk" to 741741 if they're concerned about themselves or others.

Other points of contact for suicide prevention services in the U.S. are:

- The Trevor Project, specializes in at risk LGBTQ youth, 1-866-488-7386. You can also text "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200, Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for their text line.
- The Asian American Suicide Prevention and Education group at 1-877-990-8585. Their line is 24 hours and languages include: Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Fujianese.
- IMAlive Crisis Chat
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at 855-274-7471