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Bourdain, Spade suicides highlight resources available, new state law to expand suicide prevention

Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room Friday morning. The chef and host of CNN’s "Parts Unknown" took his own life, CNN reported.

Bourdain's death along with the suicide Tuesday by fashion designer Kate Spade highlight the hidden struggles so many people face.

UW Medicine psychiatrist Ana Ratzliff told KIRO 7 their deaths should encourage all of us to reach out to people who may be struggling.

“You're never going to put someone at more risk for suicide by asking, and for many people that can be the lifeline to get help,” Ratzliff told KIRO 7 anchor John Knicely who pointed out that might surprise people.  “Yes, I think that is one of the most common misconceptions out there that if you talk to someone about suicide that's going to make them more likely to harm themselves or die by suicide.”

New statistics this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a troubling picture.

Since 1999, suicide rates are up more than 25% nationally and are up 18.8% in Washington.  More than 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016.

Ratzliff helped push for a new state law that took full effect this year.  Washington is the first state to require all medical providers to get suicide prevention training before they can renew their license.  That includes every dentist, nurse and therapist, etc.

Another impact of the suicides of public figures is that people who may be suicidal realizing the impact.

“Really thinking that whole communities are affected when somebody dies by suicide and it really isn't the solution,” Ratzliff said.  “And I hope out of this comes the hope and that you can get help and that people can get connected to help.”

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call this number 24/7: 1-800-273-8255.

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