The mental health crisis affecting Americans shows no signs of abating, with provisional figures for 2022 showing suicides increased by another 2.6% last year.
That follows an overall 5% increase in suicides in 2021, said officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which on Thursday released the first data for 2022.
Overall, 49,449 Americans lost their lives by suicide last year, up from 48,183 deaths in 2021, the agency reported.
Suicide deaths in the United States, 2022 (CDC)
CDC releases latest interim estimates of suicide deaths in the United States in 2022. After declining in 2019 and 2020, suicide deaths increased by approximately 5% in the United States in 2021. Interim estimates released today indicate Suicide deaths increased further in 2022, rising from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to an estimated 49,449 deaths in 2022, an increase of approximately 2.6%. However, two groups saw a decline in numbers, American Indians and Alaska Natives (down 6.1%) and people ages 10 to 24 (down 8.4%).
“Nine in ten Americans believe the United States faces a mental health crisis. New suicide death data reported by the CDC illustrates why. One life lost to suicide is too many. However, too many people still believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is making unprecedented investments to transform the way mental health is understood, accessed and treated as part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. We must continue to destigmatize mental health and make care available to all Americans.”
"The disturbing increase in suicides requires immediate action across our society to address the staggering loss of life from preventable tragedies," said CDC Medical Director Debra Houry, MD, MPH. "Everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths."
Figure : Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This graph shows the number of suicide deaths by month and year, including the most recent provisional data available.
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"The report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in the United States," U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a CDC news release . "Mental health has become the defining social and public health challenge of our time. Too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone."
The continued rise in mental health issues prompted the launch a year ago of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline , which is available 24/7 to anyone who feels they are in crisis.
According to the most recent data from the CDC, there was a glimmer of hope in the new statistics: an 8.4% drop in 2022 in suicides among the youngest (ages 10 to 24) and a 6.1% drop. in a group particularly affected by mental illness and suicide, American Indian/Alaska Natives. Still, most demographics saw an increase in suicide rates.
"The disturbing increase in suicides requires immediate action across our society to address the staggering loss of life from preventable tragedies," said CDC Medical Director Dr. Debra Houry. "Everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths."
How can you recognize the signs of suicide risk and help a loved one? The CDC offered five key steps:
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According to Murthy, the newly released figures "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 problems and recognize the importance of checking in and supporting each other." others. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, know that your life is important and you are not alone. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. week for anyone who needs help.
