The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the suicide rate increased in all states except Nevada over the past 17 years.
In Pennsylvania, the number of people committing suicide surged by more than 34% from 1999 to 2016.
In its report, the CDC wrote, “Mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide.” The agency also noted that it is “rarely caused by any single factor.”
Other problems that drove people to end their lives include relationships, substance use, physical health, job, money, legal, or housing stress. More than 50% of people who died of suicide did not have a known mental health condition, according to CDC.
The release of agency’s report on Friday coincided with the news that CNN’s Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef and travel host, died of apparent suicide. On Tuesday, legendary fashion designer Kate Spade hanged herself to death.
Mental health resources and support available across Pennsylvania
On Friday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians that mental health resources and support are available across the state. He also stated that seeking help for mental health is not a sign of weakness.
