A disturbing new report from the CDC shows that rates of adolescent suicide rose substantially in the U.S. between the years 1999 and 2014. The largest increase was among girls ages 10 to 14, whose incidence of suicide rose 200 percent in that 15-year period. And the rate of suicide in the population as a whole (across all ages) was up 24 percent, according to the report, with the pace of increase greater after 2006.
Increased awareness of mental health disorders and better accuracy in reporting suicides may partly explain the strong uptick in rates. But regardless of the cause of the increase, this is a part of a larger public health concern that requires immediate and concentrated attention.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the 24 hour/7 day per week National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-(TALK) 8255. If you believe a teen or anyone else is in immediate danger of harming him/herself or another person, call 911.
