Suicide rates among teens on the rise

Suicide rates among young people reached a 20-year-high 2017.

Researcher call it a “very real threat.”

The findings of new research show an alarming trend–in 2017, suicide rates among 15 to 24 year old’s across the United States were at there highest point since 2000, especially among young men between 15 and 19.

Research published in the Medical Journal: JAMA used data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Underlying Cause of Death” database.

In 2000, the rate of suicide among teens 15 to 19 was eight per 100,000 people.

By 2017, the rate jumped to 17 per 100,000.

An increase was also seen among 20 to 24 year-old’s over the same time period.

In 2000, the suicide rate was 12.5 per 100,000 people.

By 2017, it was 17 out of 100,000.

But mental health experts say they aren’t surprised by the surge.

The Chief Psychologist for Grady Hospital in Atlanta says a number of things contributed to the spike, including an increase in anxiety and depression among young people.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.