A new report from the Center For Disease Control, show suicides rate for 2018 is rising and it is getting worse. Rates are rising for all races and genders.

During an age, where the best anti-depressants are available and mental health care has never been better, you wonder why suicide rates are still so high. North Dakota has seen a 57% rise in suicides. Nevada is the only state where suicide rates have gone down, the other 49 have seen a rise over the last year. Why?

Suicide has been viewed not only as a mental health problem but a public health one. Nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the United States in 2016 — more than twice the number of homicides — making it the 10th-leading cause of death. Among people ages 15 to 34, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.

There is immediate help available from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-271-8255 for immediate help.

It's important for all of us, to check on family and friends regularly. There may or may not be signs, so always be ready. A suicide by someone we know or love can bring on the feeling of guilt, to those left behind. Talking it out with someone can help, but if it is causing you to suffer, talk to your doctor.

Keep this number, where you keep important contacts. Put it in your contacts and your children's phones if you wish.

Please know, that the world will NOT be better without you. You ARE important and you DO matter. Talk to someone today.

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