Be informed and aware of these 11 states with the highest suicide rates in America. Even for developed countries like America suicide remains a persistent problem. There are many causes that can drive one to suicide but it is often due to a combination of multiple factors. Suicide is a very dangerous result of extreme depression that causes one to abandon his/her sense of value of life. Some people use it as a means to escape their current situation though it is never truly a solution. It will only cause more problems especially for loved ones.
Suicide can be a very sensitive issue and people rarely speak up about it. That’s why it is something that’s very hard to predict or prevent. It is also because the conscious decision to take one’s life is often done without consulting other people. Often times, people like this just need someone to relate to or someone to encourage them. Due to suicide’s close ties to depression, you’ll find that the 11 Countries with the Highest Depression Rates in the World have a direct relation to rates of suicide. Psychological and emotional issues are very important in the culture of the US as people will spend a large amount of money in order to help them feel well again.
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This list is compiled and ranked by Insider Monkey using studies done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The last complete study of suicide rates was done in 2013. The numbers you see here is the rate of suicides per 100,000 people in the state. Let’s find out what the 11 states with the highest suicide rates in America are:
11. Oklahoma
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 17.3
A lot of effort in Oklahoma has been done in order to lessen suicide rates in the state. They’ve recently established a program that includes a website and a hotline that youths and other people may access. The Youth Suicide Prevention Act has been in effect in the state since 2001.
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10. Oregon
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 17.8
In Oregon, assisted suicide is legal. This means that certain people can purchase lethal drugs prescribed by a doctor depending on their situation. This is usually undertaken by people with terminal diseases.
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9. South Dakota
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 18.2
South Dakota also has raised awareness for suicide using a website and a hotline. According to them, one of the reasons suicides push through is because people don’t have someone to talk to. The hotline has been running for ten years now and has gotten significant success.
8. Nevada
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 18.2
One of the reasons for the spike in suicides in Nevada was because of the recession in 2010. A lot of the suicides here have been caused by firearms. Main causes for suicide here aside from the economic problem are foreclosure and unemployment rates.
7. Colorado
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 18.5
Unlike some of the states listed here, Colorado only recently took steps towards suicide prevention with the establishment of the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission. With this they’ve established a hotline and website as well.
6. Idaho
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 19.2
Idaho also has an established suicide prevention hotline. This hotline even refers to experts and volunteers. They also have a good amount of donors with donations being asked through the online website.
The highest rates are about to roll in. Let’s continue this list of 11 states with the highest suicide rates in America.
5. New Mexico
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 20.3
New Mexico has the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition that goes about doing activities to help people become aware of the act. They also have a website and hotline to back this up. Aside from this the state also celebrates Suicide Prevention Week.
4. Wyoming
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 21.4
Wyoming was considered the highest suicide rate during 2012. Despite some improvements they continue to be among the states with an alarmingly high suicide rate. Just during the first quarter of 2013 around 25 people committed suicide.
3. Utah
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 21.4
Utah lives in a state of paradox, where they’re considered the happiest state in America but somehow have a high rate of suicides. They’re also the state known to use antidepressants the most. There have been numerous associations to the high suicide rate. Low population density, Mormon influence and even altitude have become points of discussion.
2. Alaska
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 23.1
In the past decade Alaska has been riddled with problems regarding high suicide rates. They’ve always been double that of the national average. The most likely candidates were young native men. Most of the suicides are also caused by depression, mental conditions or substance abuse.
1. Montana
Suicide Rate per 100,000: 23.7
Montana is now the state with the current highest suicide rate in America. Due to this a lot of information has been spreading through different media platforms educating people about it. They also aim to encourage people to help lessen and prevent it.
This has been the list of 11 states with the highest suicide rates in America. Hopefully these numbers get to lessen as the years pass.
