According to information from the U.S. government, the number of people who died by suicide in the United States hit a new high in 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared these preliminary numbers, revealing that around 49,500 individuals lost their lives to suicide during that year. This figure is the highest ever recorded.
Compared to the previous year, there was a 2.6% increase in suicide rates, with 48,183 people dying by suicide in the year before. This data is “an early estimate of deaths before the final data is released,” per CDC.
The data also suggests that suicides have become more common in the U.S. than they have been since World War II. In 2018, the CDC reported that the suicide rate had reached its highest level since 1941.
Calculations based on the provisional CDC data show that the suicide rate for 2022 was approximately 14.9 deaths for every 100,000 people. This rate is 5% higher than the previous high of 14.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2018.
The U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed concern about these numbers, emphasizing that even one life lost to suicide is too many. He highlighted the importance of breaking down the stigma around mental health and making support accessible to everyone.
“Nine in ten Americans believe America is facing a mental health crisis. The new suicide death data reported by CDC illustrates why. One life lost to suicide is one too many. Yet, too many people still believe asking for help is a sign of weakness,” said Becerra.
The data also reveals that between 2000 and 2018, suicide rates increased by 37%, followed by a 5% decrease between 2018 and 2020. However, these rates went up again in 2021.
Firearm usage was identified as the most common method of suicide in 2022, accounting for over 50% of the reported deaths.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions report revealed that gun-related deaths played a significant role in the rising suicide rates. Despite a decrease in suicides not involving guns, suicides involving firearms increased by 10% between 2019 and 2021.
Insights into Suicidal Trends and Urgent Calls for Mental Health Support
The report also indicated specific increases in suicide rates: a 2.3% rise in men and a 3.8% increase in women compared to 2021. Men made up nearly 80% of the total suicides.
However, there were some encouraging trends as well. Suicide numbers decreased among American Indian and Alaska Native people by 6.1%, and young people aged 10 to 24 saw an 8.4% decrease from 2021.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted the severity of the mental health crisis in the country and stressed the need for expanding access to mental health care and addressing the root causes of mental health struggles. He also encouraged people to support one another.
“Today’s report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America,” Murthy shared in a statement. “Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone. These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles, and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another.”
Remember, you’re not alone if you’re in emotional distress or facing a crisis. Help is available through various support channels and your life matters. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, texting “STRENGTH” to 741741 on the Crisis Text Line, or visiting 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.