US Suicide Rate Highest in 30 Years

A federal report reveals that the suicide rate in the United States is the highest it's been in nearly 30 years.

The National Center for Heath Statistics reports that the overall suicide rate increased 24 percent between 1999 and 2014. That means the nation's suicide rate has jumped to 13 per 100,000 people.

According to The New York Times, the increase is very steep for women and young girls between the ages of 10 and 14. The number of young girls who committed suicide rose to 150 in 2014 - a huge jump from 50 girls in 1999.

The rate is also the highest increase seen in men and middle-aged Americans than ever before.

"It is really stunning to see such a large increase in suicide rates affecting virtually every age group," said Katherine Hempstead, senior advisor for heath care at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

The rise in suicide has not only affected age and gender, but also racial and ethnic groups.

American Indians have seen the shaprest rise in suicide out off all ethnic groups. Suicide amoung Native women has risen by 89 percent, and 38 percent for men.