Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade’s deaths are part of a growing problem in the US

World Today

BOURDAIN(AP Photo/Jim Cooper)

The deaths of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain on Friday, and of fashion designer Kate Spade on Tuesday sent shockwaves across the U.S. and the world.

Their untimely deaths are part of a growing problem across the nation.

Suicide rates have risen between 1999 and 2006 in all U.S. states except Nevada, impacting women, men, children, and people of different ethnicity and race.

A total of 25 states show an increase of 30 percent of suicide deaths, according to a comprehensive study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Suicide-Across-US_Map (2)

In 2016, nearly 45,000 people lost their lives to suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death on the rise in the U.S.

Some of the highest spikes are in northern and central U.S. states. The state of North Dakota had the highest increase.

More than half of the people who died didn’t have a known mental health issue at the time of death, according to the CDC study. The stigma attached to mental health services often prevents people from seeking help.

In addition to mental health conditions and suicide attempts as risk factors, other contributing circumstances include social and economic problems, access to the means to commit suicide, and poor coping and problem-solving skills, the health agency said in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The CDC recommended a broad approach to suicide prevention, including boosting economic support by states, supporting family and friends after a suicide, and identifying and supporting people at risk for suicide.

If you are having thoughts of suicide then please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-talk (8255), or the Suicide Crisis Line, at 1-800-784-2433.

This story is by CGTN America with information from Reuters.