CDC Reports

In Arizona, suicide is such a severe issue it is ranked as the eighth-leading cause of death, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 1999, the Associated Press reported that Arizona’s suicide rate was 60 times higher than the national average. From 1999 to 2016, Arizona’s suicide rate rose 17 percent, according to a CDC report.

The Morrison Institute for Public Policy found the rate of suicide among adults ages 65 and older in Arizona is consistently higher than the national average. Where Arizona ranks 12^th in the nation in overall suicide rates, among ages 65-plus, our state is number 8.

Suicide Increasing Nationally

The CDC reports that suicide rates rose in nearly every U.S. state from 1999 to 2016, with the rate spiking by more than 30 percent in half of the country.

Throughout the US, nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 or older died by suicide in 2016.  Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and is one of just three leading causes that are on the rise.

No Single Factor Leads to Suicide

Arizona has had a growing problem of both drug addiction and mental health crises, but many factors can lead to thoughts of suicide. Social isolation, lack of mental health treatment, alcohol abuse and gun ownership are among the factors that contribute to suicide.  A disconnection from others and a perception of being a burden can also be contributing factors.

Read Preventing Suicide Fact Sheet published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Teen Suicides

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States, preceded only by accidents and homicides, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a Vanderbilt University Study, two-thirds of children hospitalized for thinking about or trying to kill themselves were girls. But as we’ve seen with alarming frequency in national incidents of school gun violence, boys are more likely to die by suicide.

School angst, bullying, substance abuse, rejection, sleep deprivation, media consumption, a disconnect from others, sex abuse, domestic abuse in the home  — these can all play a part in teen suicides.

Teen Lifeline Call Center

Statewide in Arizona 800-248-8336 (TEEN)

Teen Lifeline in Phoenix run call centers devoted to helping younger generations navigate the ups and downs of adolescence and young adulthood. Nikki Kontz, the group’s clinical director, said one of the first steps at preventing suicide is reaching out.

People often just need “a non-judgmental open ear to talk and for someone to just be able to listen to them and what is going on in the world,” she said.

Behavioral Health Services – Lake Powell Medical Center

Our behavioral health team is trained to work with individuals, families and small groups. We  provide counseling services in areas such as stress, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse and depression.

Canyonlands Healthcare is now offering Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Abuse. Contact 928-645-8123 X2212

Warning Signs of Suicide

The CDC offers these warning signs:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or
  having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or
  in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden
  to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about
  seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide. If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:

• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol,
drugs or sharp objects that could
be used in a suicide attempt
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Crisis Response Network

The Crisis Response Network is available 24/7:

Northern Arizona
1633 S Plaza Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 View Map
Administrative office: (928) 478-1069
Crisis Line: (877) 756-4090
SMI Determination: (855) 832-2866

Central Arizona
1275 W. Washington Street, Suite 108, Tempe, AZ 85281 View Map
Administrative office: (602) 427-4600
Crisis Line: (602) 222-9444 or (800) 631-1314 TTY (602) 274-3360 or (800) 327-9254
Warm Line: (602) 347-1100
SMI Determination: (602) 845-3594 or (855) 832-2866

Southern Arizona
5656 E. Grant Road, Suite 300, Tucson AZ  85712-2200 View Map
Administrative office: (520) 727-3005
SMI Determination: (855) 832-2866