COLUMBUS, Ohio — (AP) — The state Department of Health says the number of suicides in Ohio increased 45% from 2007 to 2018 and by more than half for young people.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine responded to Wednesday’s report by saying his RecoveryOhio initiative seeks to address mental illness and issues leading to suicide.
“If you know someone is struggling, you may be able to help save someone’s life by recognizing the warning signs and steps to take," DeWine said in a statement.
Findings in the report include:
- The number of suicides for those age 10 to 24 increased 56% while the rate increased 64% from 2007 to 2018.
- The rate for people 65 and older increased nearly 48% between 2007 and 2018.
- White, non-Hispanic males had the highest suicide rate.
- The suicide rate among black males increased 54% from 2014 to 2018.
- Five people die by suicide every day in Ohio with over 1,800 suicide deaths last year.
“Suicide in Ohio and nationally is a growing public health epidemic, particularly among young people,” said ODH Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH. “Suicide is the leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10‐14 and the second leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 15‐34.”
If someone you know is showing signs of suicide, here are some things you can do:
- Ask directly about thoughts of suicide (asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide but does open up conversation)
- Listen to what they need
- Keep them safe by keeping lethal means away from them
- Call 911 if necessary
- Help them connect with ongoing support, such as a local crisis line, the National Suicide Prevention Life line (1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line (text “4hope” to 741 741)
- Check back the next day to see how they are doing
- Encourage them to seek out a counselor for more help
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers suicide prevention information and resources on its website at mha.ohio.gov.