According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S.

According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S.

After the deaths of fashion designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain, there is a term called, “suicide contagion,” which is a real issue says the CDC.

Dr. Kimberly Brandt, an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychiatry at the University of Missouri said studies show it can be a contributor.

“Sometimes hearing about or seeing, you know, someone else do it, may just kind of effect them in a way that says if they did it, maybe that’s what I should do,” said Dr. Brandt.

The CDC says there was almost a 10% increase of suicides in the four months following Robin Williams death by suicide.

But, according to the CDC, suicides have been increasing at substantial numbers since 1999. In Missouri, they have increased by more than 30 percent in just seventeen years.

ABC 17 asked Dr. Brandt if Missouri’s healthcare system is equipped to handle these numbers. She told us there’s always a need for more facility space.

She said there are red flags to watch out for.

“When I mention people actually talking about harming themselves. I think that is a really big red flag. And, if someone reaches out and says something to you, like I’m having suicidal thoughts or maybe I should just take my own life,” she said.

She suggested if you know someone with these thoughts, you or they can call the suicidal hotline or you can take them to the emergency room.

At the University of Missouri, there is a 24-hour psychiatric part of the emergency room.

We asked Dr. Brandt why she thinks suicide rates are sky-rocketing and she told us we live in a stressful day, but she also fear social media could be some of the blame.

“Their brains are always turned on. They also see the feeds of people in their lives and it looks like everyone’s lives are perfect,” she said.

It’s this constant comparison and seeing only the best of people’s lives gives this distorted perspective.

But, she said no matter the cause, there is hope.

“For most people suicidal thoughts are temporary, and when people get the help that they need, for most people those thoughts go away,” said Dr. Brandt.

The National Suicide Prevention Life-line number is (800) 273-8255.