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(CNN) - Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the US. It is much larger than the general population, where it is the tenth leading cause of death according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important to recognize possible warning signs when someone intends to end his life as described in the Suicide Prevention Life Line:
Talk about wanting to die or commit suicide
Find a way to kill yourself, such as searching online or buying a weapon
Talk about feeling desperate or having no reason to live.
Talk about feeling trapped or excruciating pain.
Talk about being a burden to others.
Increase the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
It acts agitated; behave recklessly
Sleep too little or too much
It is removed or isolated
Show anger or talk about revenge
Extreme mood swings
US suicide rates they have increased more than 25% since 1999. They are also increasing worldwide: one million people who die annually by suicide. The World Health Organization estimates a global suicide rate of one death every 40 seconds. By 2020 they predict that someone will take their own life every 20 seconds.
The suicide of fashion designer Kate Spade, the sister of Queen Máxima of Holland and CNN chef and presenter Anthony Bourdain highlights the importance of recognizing possible warning signs when someone tries to end her life.
When a high profile person dies of suicide, the "celebrity and suicide effect" can lead to an increase in imitation deaths. In the four months after the suicide of actor Robin Williams in 2014, there was an increase of 10% in the United States, almost 2,000 additional suicides registered.
Attention is necessary, especially now.
READ: Adolescents, very vulnerable to suicide
There are ways to help a person with suicidal traits.
If you or someone you know could be at risk of suicide, here are ways to help:
From the United States, for crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454, of the National Suicide Prevention Line. For support outside the United States, the International Association for the Prevention of Suicide provides a global directory of international resources and hotlines. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide.
MORE: Suicides increase by 25% in the United States since 1999
Call 1-800-273-8255 in the United States to contact the National Suicide Prevention Line. Provides free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in suicidal or distressed crises. You can get more information about their services here, including their guide on what to do if suicidal signals are identified on social networks. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone about how you can help a person in crisis. Call 1-866-488-7386 for TrevorLifeline, a suicide prevention counseling service for the LGBTQ community.
READ: Did '13 Reasons Why 'really increase internet searches about suicide?
Send a text message to HOME at 741741 to have a confidential text dialogue with a Crisis Text Line crisis counselor. Counselors are available 24/7. You can get more information about how your text message service works here.
For online chat, the National Suicide Prevention Line offers a confidential chat, with advisors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Boys Town also offers online chat counselors for young people on this link. It is available every Monday through Friday between 6 pm and midnight in the central time zone.
Another way to help is by supporting non-profit organizations that offer suicide counseling, prevention and education. Volunteers are needed and some are trained to become counselors.
Get help around the world
To obtain assistance outside the US, the International Association for the Prevention of Suicide provides a global directory of international resources and hotlines. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide.
Another way to help is to support nonprofit organizations that provide suicide counseling, prevention and education. Volunteers are needed, and some train to become counselors.
Online donations for some of these organizations can be made by clicking on this button.
Depression Suicide