The number of suicides in Kansas has increased by more than half in recent years, particularly in the northwest rural areas of the state.
Kansas News Service reports that mental health professionals say the geographical isolation, low population and struggling economy in rural parts of Kansas are challenges increasing suicide risk. Kansas overall had 555 suicides in 2018 — the highest rate in 20 years.
A commissioner of behavioral health services says suicide risk is highest when people feel like they are a burden on others, feel outcast or isolated from others and have ready access to lethal means.