Sacramento's growing suicide problem

The suicide rate in the Sacramento region has increased about 25 percent since 2000, part of a nationwide trend, according to the latest figures from the California Department of Public Health.

About 290 local residents killed themselves in 2013, up from 191 in 2000. The suicide rate per 100,000 residents rose from 10.6 to 13.2 during that time period. The last time local rates were that high was during the early 1990s.

Suicide rates generally increase with age. A higher proportion of residents here and elsewhere are now living until a very advanced age - roughly 40,000 local residents are 85 or older.

Baby Boomers are also committing suicide at a higher rate than prior generations. Health experts cite the lingering impact of the economic recession as another reason suicides have increased.

The chart below shows recent suicide trends in Sacramento. The map below shows suicide rates by ZIP code.

Suicide rates by ZIP Code, 2000-2013

Source: California Department of Public Health

Click here to see map when using certain mobile apps.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255

This story was originally published March 3, 2015 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Sacramento's growing suicide problem."