Why Are More Americans Taking Their Own Lives, And What Can Be Done To Stop Them?

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Suicide rates increased in nearly every state from 1999 through 2016.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and according to a new report, the number of people who take their own lives has risen substantially since 1999. Per the report, nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 or older took their own lives in 2016. Georgia alone saw a 16 percent increase in suicides from 1999-2016. On Second Thought host Virginia Prescott speaks with Nadine Kaslow and Doreen Marshall.

Researchers and advocacy groups say more needs to be done to prevent these tragedies, which have drawn greater attention in the past week in light of the deaths of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Both died of apparent suicides.

Emory University professor Nadine Kaslow spoke with us about her research on suicide. Doreen Marshall of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also advised on how to discourage people from taking their own lives.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.