A Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Vital Signs report released today finds suicide rates in the U.S. have risen
nearly 30 percent since 1999 and mental health conditions are one of several
factors contributing to the rise. From 1999-2016, suicide rates increased in
nearly every state, with 25 states experiencing increases of more than 30
percent each; Iowa is one of those states.
From 2014 to 2016, Iowa’s age-adjusted
annual suicide rate per 100,000 was 16.0, up from 11.8 from 1999 to 2001. Iowa
currently ranks 31 in the U.S. for suicide rate, an improvement from 18 in
1999-2001 time period. A range of factors contributes to suicide beyond mental
health conditions alone, including relationship, substance use, physical
health, job, financial and legal problems. If you are dealing with thoughts of
suicide or are concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, visit
www.YourLifeIowa.com for free confidential help by phone, text or online chat.
“Suicide is a serious public health
issue that affects not just the individuals who die by suicide and their
families, but also our communities and society as a whole,” said Tiffany Conroy
of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Office of Disability, Injury and
Violence Prevention. “Fortunately, like
other public health issues, suicide can be preventable. By addressing risk and
protective factors impacting communities, we can decrease the feelings of
isolation and stigma often experienced by people who have thoughts of suicide,
and have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our society. We can
save lives.”
The CDC has identified several
protective factors that lessen the risk for suicide. Some of these include:
·
Feeling connected
to others – joining community or other groups that promote a feeling of
belonging.
·
Learning coping
and problem-solving skills – this could include parenting or family
relationship classes, or other learning opportunities.
·
Reducing
excessive alcohol use – this includes supportive community policies.
To learn more about the CDC’s resilience
factors, visit https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/suicide-factsheet.pdf. To read the
CDC’s report on suicide, visit www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html.
IDPH News Release
Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm
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