Young adult suicide rate rises in Washington state
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Washington's young adult suicide rate rose more than 13% from 2014 to 2024, mirroring a national trend, a recent analysis finds.
Why it matters: The increase underscores the toll of the country's mental health crisis — particularly in Washington, where the suicide rate among young people remains higher than the national average.
By the numbers: The suicide rate for Washington adults aged 18-27 climbed 13.3% between 2014 and 2024, reaching 18.8 per 100,000 people, per a new analysis of CDC data from Stateline, a nonprofit newsroom.
The big picture: Nationwide, the suicide rate among that age group saw a sharper 20% increase.
- Yet the national rate — 16.4 deaths per 100,000 — remained lower than in Washington.
Between the lines: The rising suicide rate among 18- to 27-year-olds comes as Gen Zers enter that age range and millennials leave it.
What they're saying: "Theories behind the increase range from bullying on social media, since Gen Z was the first generation to grow up with the internet, to economic despair, to cultural resistance to seeking help for depression," per Stateline.
Zoom in: Seattle officials have been looking at ways to address youth mental health.
- An education levy voters approved last month will add five new school-based health centers, which will help provide K-12 students with mental health care both in-person and virtually.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.