It may not be a comfortable topic to discuss, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sucide and homicide are on the rise among young people—and the topic is a devastating reality for the families of those young people.
A report published by the CDC late last year found that the suicide rate among Americans 10-24 years old rose by 56 percent from 2007 to 2017. The rate rose after remaining stable for seven years, according to the CDC.
In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death for those aged 10 -24, while homicide was the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24, the CDC reported.
The rates of homicides declined from 2007 to 2014, then increased by 18 percent over the next three years, according to the CDC.
With rates of homicide and suicide on thre rise among young people, it is more important than ever to disucss this topic and make sure youth in the U.S. have access to the support and resources they need.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, there are several risk factors associated with suicide attempts, including
- Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Knowing someone who died by suicide, particularly a family member
- Social isolation
- Chronic disease and disability
- Lack of access to behavioral health care
Looking for suicide prevention resources? The SPRC has additional information and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is open 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.