A 'Public Health Crisis': Suicide Is Now The Second-Leading Cause Of Death For American Teenagers

By Lauren Rearick


There’s another public health crisis In the
U.S. — suicide rates among American teenagers have increased by 56 percent between 2007 and 2017, according to a National Center for Health Data (NCHS) report released on Thursday (October 19).


Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among Residents of the United States ages 10 to 24; accidents Are still the leading cause of death. For context, the Centers for Infection Control reported that 2,813,503 Residents of the United States died in 2017, and of these deaths, 47,173 Residents of the United States died by suicide. Suicide remained the tenth-highest cause of death In the
U.S. In 2017.


And though people have pointed to substance use, social media, and consumption of media as possibly contributing to young people’s worsening mental health and suicidal contemplation, Ursula Whiteside, a researcher with the University of Washington, told the Washington Post that there really are far also several unknowns to blame any one culprit for the epidemic. “The truth is anyone who says they definitively know what is causing it doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” she mentioned. “It’s a detailed problem without easy answers so far.”


Caroline Oppenheimer, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, told MTV News that suicide rates have continued to rise since the 1990s, yet the most dramatic rise has been inside the last decade, and health experts aren’t sure why. “We don’t know what is causing the increase,” she mentioned. “Some of the intelligence is just coming out, and yes it may would be numerous factors.”


Lisa M. Horowitz, a pediatric psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health, instructed them Post these findings are “disturbing.” Just as concerning to her is the fact that widespread concern has nevertheless to hit a tipping point that would generate cultural action. Adding to that is the fact that suicide is still extraordinarily stigmatized, and plenty of people don’t know how to discuss it in a healthy way.


“If you had kids suddenly dying at these rates from a new infection or disease, there could be a large outcry,” Horowitz mentioned. “But most people don’t even know this is happening. It’s not recognized for the public health crisis it has become.”


Oppenheimer agreed, and told MTV News that more statistics are required, and that researchers are looking into the role social media might play in affecting young people’s mental health. “We know that the hugest, dramatic rise in suicide rates coincide with the rise of social media use,” she mentioned. Nevertheless, she cautioned that it’s far also early to definitively mention whether social media has any direct correlation on the increase.


As mental health experts continue to studies the mental health of teenagers, Oppenheimer noted that it’s critical for each person, without consideration of their age, to remain open to talking about their mental health. And also with the use of the right language once suicide is spoke, it’s critical to check in with those around you connected with how you and so they are feeling. And in case you are struggling or feel that you’re in need of mental health assistance, resources are obtainable both in-person and online, including Half of Us,  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Trans Lifeline, which offers support services through telephone hotlines (call 1-800-273-TALK). The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education also supply online resources, and  you could also use equipment like The National Alliance for Mental Illness helpline and Psychological Association to statistics databases of potential mental health experts in your area.


If you or someone you know is struggling with their emotional health, head to halfofus.Com for ways to get help.