Recognizing the Signs of Suicide and How You Can Help

February 5, 2021
One arm clutching another.

This article was first published by CropWatch on Feb. 5, 2019.

If you have been impacted by the rising rate of suicides, you are not alone.

Between 1999 and 2016 the rate of suicides increased by at least 6% in 49 of 50 states, with some states showing increases of as much as 58%. In 2017, more than 47,000 people died by suicide in the United States.

Nebraska data reflects the national trend. In 2016, the year of the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control, suicide was the leading cause of death for persons 10-14 years and the second leading cause of death for persons 15-34 years (CDC National Vital Statistics System).

Among farmers, suicide rates are higher than in the general population. Factors contributing to increased stress in the agricultural community include:

  • lack of control in policy, regulations, prices, and weather,
  • not having access to mental health services,
  • hesitancy in seeking help,
  • feelings of isolation, and
  • access to lethal weapons.

Read the full article on CropWatch:

Full Article

Nicole Roseberry is Assistant Vice President of Early Childhood Mental Health with the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. Holly Hatton-Bowers is an Assistant Professor in Child, Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.