The suicide rate in the US has increased by nearly 25 percent since 1999. The growing trend could be observed among middle-aged white people, particularly the women. While there is an incident increase among all ethnic groups, it could not be said the same for African American males.

The study by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reports that there is a nearly 25 percent increase in suicides since the start of 1999 to 2014. This means that there are 13 suicides per 100,000 people in 2014 compared to 10.5 suicides per 100,000 people in 1999. Additionally, the most used method of suicide in 2014 for men is the use of firearms while women chose poisoning. Suffocation as a method for suicide also increased during the years.

Suicides are rising in the United States, and no one really knows why: https://t.co/KoHNNaXO4n pic.twitter.com/dQX97zxqQE

— Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) April 22, 2016

In the number of suicides in the country, there is a sharp increase among women. Suicide rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women increased by 89 percent among females and 38 percent for men. White women suicides had an increased rate of 60 percent and 28 percent for men. The report noted that suicide rates among African American men have decreased.

CNN points out that it is not exactly known why the suicide rate is high among American Indians and Alaska Natives. An expert told the outlet that most of them belong in the lower income demographic with higher risk for alcohol and substance use. Another factor could be the increase in overdose deaths from prescription painkillers.

In the US, suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the country. Chicago Tribune reports that the rates continue to increase sharply among Whites despite the decrease of death rates in chronic conditions including cancer and heart diseases. Additionally, US homicide cases are also decreasing. This means that there are at least 7 White suicides for every homicide in the country.