CDC: Suicide Rates Up Dramatically In Tri-State, Across U.S.

Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky each saw double digit increases in suicides between 1999 and 2016.

(Undated) - Indiana's suicide rate is up sharply from 1999, but the state is not alone.

The Centers for Disease Control said in a report released Thursday that nearly 45,000 Americans lost their lives to suicide in 2016. Every state but Nevada saw its suicide rate rise over the past 15 years.

Indiana's suicide rate increased 31 percent between 1999 and 2016. In Ohio, suicides were up 36 percent. And in Kentucky, they increased by 37 percent.

The national rate increased as well, jumping 25 percent over the same time frame. 

The CDC report found that just over half of the suicide victims did not have a known mental health condition. Relationships problems were considered a factor in 42 percent of suicides, followed by a recent life crises in 29 percent of cases, and substance use in 28 percent.

Solutions for curbing the suicide rate include states and communities identifying and supporting those at risk, teaching coping and problem solving skills, promoting safe and supportive environments, and offering more activities to bring people together.

In Indiana, State Rep. Judie Olthoff has proposed legislation to help address teen and youth suicide. It could be considered in the 2019 legislative session.