Minnesota suicide rate on the rise, mental health workers say

"We don't have a good explanation. We've taken care of these other things. We haven't taken care of our suicide," says Jon Roesler, the state's epidemiologist charged with tracking the numbers. "I don't know if it's Minnesota Nice—we don't like to talk about it."

The problem with trying to attack it as a public health issue, he says, is suicide's very personal nature. But if you know someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the path is clear.

Jana Freiband

"What's happening right now is really what I consider a tsunami impacting the mental health and mental well-being of people in the country," says Dr. Dan Reidenberg, executive director of SAVE

National and State Suicide Data. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health.

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"You put your arms around them and you hold them tight," Roesler says.

The national suicide prevention hotline is always open: 1-800-273-TALK.