The Increased Rate of Suicides

From 1999 to 2014, the suicide rate increased 24%, from 10.5 to 13 suicides per 100,000 people.

The increase in suicides is especially concerning, since the suicide rate had been decreasing in the '80s and '90s.

This data only shows part of the picture because there are far more suicide attempts than there are suicide deaths. Suicide attempts are not included in the CDC numbers.

Sally Curtin, a statistician with the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics who co-authored the study, told NPR:

"I've been losing sleep over this, quite honestly … You can't just say it's confined to one age group or another for males and females. Truly at all ages people are at risk for this, and our youngest have some of the highest percent increases … The deaths are but the tip of the iceberg."

Multiple factors are likely to blame. There are many theories about why suicide rates stopped decreasing and started climbing around 1999. Among them is the economic downturn, which left many out of jobs and lacking health care. In particular, past research has found suicides related to job, financial, and legal problems were most common among individuals aged 40 to 64 years.

Earlier puberty among adolescent girls may be another factor, as this is a period of significant changes in a girl's life. This is also the age when psychological disorders such as depression may emerge.

Another factor is the ongoing trend away from use of cocaine and crack in favor of heroin and prescription painkillers, which are associated with an increasing number of opioid deaths. The side effects of taking antidepressants may also be playing a roll, since the amount of antidepressants consumed by Americans has increased significantly during this time period.

There is increasing evidence that antidepressants intensify violent thoughts and behaviors, both suicidal and homicidal, especially among children. There are black box warnings contained within the packaging pertaining to these risks.

Since the late 1980s, there have been frequent reports of increased violent behavior, including homicides and suicides, among individuals taking antidepressant drugs.

Research published in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, revealed that a genetic mutation in the CYP450 gene family may cause a metabolic disturbance resulting in uncontrollable violent impulses and behaviors, including suicide, in some individuals taking these drugs.

If you know anyone taking an antidepressant drug, it's important to be aware that suicidal thoughts may be a side effect.

Further, antidepressants are not the only drugs to watch out for. Other medications linked to increased suicide risks include:

1. The stop-smoking drug Chantix

2. Accutane, an acne drug

3. Singulair, an allergy drug

4. Certain epilepsy drugs

5. Tamiflu, a flu drug

6. Cholesterol-lowering drugs

If someone has a family history of suicide, have been exposed to suicidal behavior, such as from other family members or friends, or have suffered/witnessed physical or sexual abuse or domestic violence, their risk of suicidal behavior increases.

A major risk factor for suicide is depression, in combination with substance abuse, which could include alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription drugs. It's estimated that more than 90% of those who end up taking their own lives fit into this category.

Also Be Aware of the Following Red Flags:

1. Acquiring a weapon

2. Hoarding medication

3. No plan for the future

4. Loss of interest in extracurricular activities

5. Changes in eating and sleeping habits

6. Begins to neglect hygiene and personal appearance

7. Declining grades in school and loss of interest in school

8. Increased risk-taking behaviors

9. Does not respond to praise

10. Trouble concentrating or paying attention

11. Frequent complaints of boredom

12. Emotional distress leads to physical complaints of fatigue, migraines, pain, etc.

13. Putting affairs in order

14. Making or changing a will

15. Giving away personal belongings

16. Mending grievances

17. Checking on insurance policies

18. Withdrawing from people

There Are Natural Alternatives:

Exercising, balancing gut bacteria, increasing omega-3 fats, reducing stress, getting restful sleep, improving one's diet, getting out in the sun and increasing vitamin D levels, can all help to combat depression, but these are long term aids. If someone is suicidal, they need immediate professional help.

A person who appears suicidal needs urgent professional help. Help the person to seek immediate assistance from their doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, call a suicide prevention lifeline (see below), or call 911.

Eliminate access to firearms or other potential suicide aids, including unsupervised access to medications.

If you or someone that you care about are feeling desperate or have any thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is a toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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