As Celebrity Suicides Gain Attention, Colorado Rates Skyrocket

DENVER, CO – Suicide rates in the United States have increased nearly 30 percent since 1999, according to data released Thursday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 1999 and 2016, suicide rates increased significantly, rising in every state except Nevada during that time period.

According to the CDC, the suicide rate increased significantly in 44 states and rose by more than 30 percent in 25 states. In Colorado, the suicide rate increased by 34.1 percent between 1999 and 2016.

The CDC report came out the same week when two high-profile suicides, that of designer Kate Spade and renowned celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, have brought renewed attention to the issue.

In 2016 alone, nearly 45,000 people lost their lives to suicide, the report says. The CDC also looked at 2015 suicide data for 27 states and found that 54 percent of people who died by suicide did not have known mental health conditions.

A national report released last fall said Colorado's drug, alcohol and suicide death rate was projected to increase by 36 percent in the next 10 years. The Colorado Department of Health and the Environment rolled out a humorous publicity campaign for men's mental health staring mustachioed spoof therapist "Dr. Rich Mahogany."

Colorado's suicide rates are among the highest in the country, and males in Colorado are four times more likely to die by suicide than females, according to a statement from the CDPHE.

Related: Suicide Prevention with Humor: Colorado's Man Therapy Campaign

The CDC reports said those without known mental health conditions who died by suicide had a significantly higher likelihood of having relationship problems, criminal legal problems and were more likely to have a recent or impending crisis than those with known mental health problems. Physical health problems or job and financial problems were found to near equally affect both those with and without known mental health conditions.

Other key findings:

• Two-thirds of those with known mental health conditions who died by suicide had a history of treatment for mental health or substance abuse order and approximately half of them were in treatment when they died.
• The average annual percentage change in the overall suicide rate was 1.5 percent. For men, the average annual percentage change in the suicide rate was 1.1 percent and for women, it was 2.6 percent.
• Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death and is one of just three leading causes of death that is increasing.

The report notes that though experts regularly say suicide is not caused by a single factor, suicide prevention is often focused on mental health alone. The CDC called for a comprehensive suicide prevention approach is needed at a statewide level that addressed the full range of factors contributing to suicide. The agency said prevention strategies should include strengthening economic support, teaching coping and problem-solving skills, promoting social connectedness and identifying and better supporting at-risk persons.

According to the CDC, the 12 warning signs of suicide are:

• 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, and
• Making plans for suicide

The reported also highlighted what different groups can do to prevent suicides. The CDC says if you are worried about someone who is thinking of suicide, you can follow these steps:

• Ask someone you are worried about if they’re thinking about suicide.
• Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
• Be there with them. Listen to what they need.
• Help them connect with ongoing support like the Lifeline — (800) 273-8255.
• Follow up to see how they’re doing.
• Find out how this can save a life by visiting: www.bethe1to.com

See the full CDC report here.

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, visiting this website or by texting HOME to 741741. Colorado suicide hotlines are available at http://coloradocrisisservices.org or call 1-844-493-8255 or ext “TALK” to 38255.

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