Report: Indiana suicide rate increases

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- A new Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Indiana’s suicide rate has surpassed 30 percent from 1992-2016.

According to the report, suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the country.

“The first designer bag I bought was when I was 13 years old, so I felt like I needed to come over here and give my condolences,” said a fan of fashion designer, Kate Spade.

Spade was found dead in her apartment on Tuesday. Authorities said she died by suicide.

Anthony Bourdain, renowned chef and storyteller, would be the next to die by suicide on Friday.

“There’s an increase in, especially adolescents, but everybody talking about suicide,” said Dr. Mitzi Kalin, who runs THRIVE Psychology in Saint Joseph.

According to the CDC report, nearly 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016. The study found that a significant number of people who died by suicide didn't have a known mental health condition.

“There are different levels, I don’t want to wake up in the morning, I feel like I wish I was never born,” Dr. Kalin said. “When we hear those things, it’s a red flag for us to assess for deeper issues.”

On Friday, police said a man was contemplating suicide on Wolcott Avenue.

“He had poured gasoline throughout the entire house and was going to light it on fire,” said Brian Uridge, Director of Public Safety.

Police were able to get him out of his home safely, but said they aren’t sure why he wanted to end his life.

“There’s a lot of people that need help in this country, and we’re getting better about spotting mental problems and being able to help,” said Mark Benson, who lives near Wolcott Ave.

But Dr. Kalin said suicide was viewed differently about 50 years ago.

“There’s guilt, there’s shame,” she said. “Especially around postpartum or job loss or things like that that we didn’t know how to talk about.”

The report says 24 other states saw similar increases during 1999-2016, including Michigan. However, Dr. Kalin said people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or bipolar depression should know suicide is a symptom and not an identity.

“We want to teach parents and teachers and family members and friends how to say, ‘Hey, the first thing is you’re not alone, this is a thing that happens, this is an illness, and we’re going to help you,” she said.

No criminal charges have been filed against the man threatening to commit suicide on Friday. Police said they simply want to get him help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.