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It's not uncommon for people to turn to suicide when they feel stuck, depressed, or otherwise locked into a situation with no apparent way out. Thoughts and acts of suicide often emerge in extreme moments of duress or in the middle of mental health episodes.

For these reasons, people are routinely encouraged to not just take good care of themselves, but also look out for their loved ones. Sometimes, knowing who's struggling with anxiety, depression, or other problems that may prompt them to take their own lives is easier said than done.

Unfortunately, recent studies indicate that suicide is rising, not falling, among key demographics. This is extremely problematic and warrants the need for mindful changes. Surprisingly, college athletes remain among the top groups seeing spikes of persons ending their own lives.

The uptick in suicide rates is spreading across multiple demographics

20 years ago, suicide accounted for only 7.6% of deaths among athletic college students. Today, that rate stands at a staggering 15.3%. This demographic isn't the only one facing heightened risks of suicide, however.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine study also found that suicide is the second cause of death for US citizens between the ages of 25 - 34 and even for young children between 10 - 14. As for late teens and young adults 15 - 24, suicide stands out as the third leading cause of mortality.

What's really driving rises in suicide across the board?

Over the past several years, this country has started having more conversations about the importance of mental health. Taking this a step further, some have pointed out the problems that can emerge when people face ongoing mental health challenges without any support.

Lashing out against others is a common reaction, as seen with school shooters. Though mentally unwell individuals can also come to believe that self-harming or ending their own lives are the only ways out. Sadly, the warning signs often go missed until it's too late.

At the heart of rising suicide rates is a mental illness epidemic facing America. Until we get a hold of this and implement top-down changes, the number of people taking themselves out is unlikely to decrease.