As the holiday season is in full swing, health officials in the state are reminding people of an alarming statistic affecting those who are isolated or experiencing mental health challenges.

Last year, Arizona experienced a death-by-suicide rate for those aged 10 to 34 that was far higher than the national average.

The alarmingly high statistic was reiterated recently by Dr. Cara Christ with Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona.

“It’s the tenth-leading cause of death in Arizona. In 2021, Arizona’s suicide rate was 35% above the national rate of suicide that year," she said earlier this month. 

She suggested one way to help reduce those numbers is to put the same amount of emphasis on the importance of mental health as physical health.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, there is help. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (en Español, llame al 988, prensa 2; for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, dial 711 then 988). You may also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.