Record high suicide deaths in the US in 2022, with promising declines among children and young adults
In 2022, suicide deaths in the US hit a record high, surpassing any previous year since 1941 Despite improvements among children and young adults, the overall numbers remain concerning Seek assistance and stay informed with CNN Health's weekly newsletter
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to speak with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website.
The number of suicides in the United States reached a record high last year, surpassing any other year since at least 1941, based on provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, there is help available. In the US, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For global assistance, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide can provide contact information for crisis centers worldwide.
In 2022, intentional self-harm claimed the lives of at least 49,449 individuals, equating to more than 14 deaths for every 100,000 people.
Men were approximately four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and the highest rates were observed among senior men. However, the suicide rate for women increased at twice the rate in 2022, particularly among White women and individuals aged 25 to 34.
The US has seen a steady increase in suicide rates over the past few decades. In response, the US surgeon general has called for the development of a national prevention strategy to address the alarming rise in mental health issues among young people, particularly regarding youth mental health. Despite these troubling trends, there are signs of improvement in provisional data from 2022, showing a decrease in suicide rates among children and teens. The rate for children ages 10 to 14 dropped by 18% to approximately 2 deaths per 100,000 children, and the rate for those ages 15 to 24 decreased by 9% to about 14 deaths per 100,000 people.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - AUGUST 25: Semi-automatic guns are showcased on shelves at the McBride Guns Inc. shop on August 25, 2023 in Austin, Texas. The Biden administration intends to rescind licenses from numerous gun dealers, sparking disputes among gun-store owners and law-enforcement veterans nationwide. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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Suicide rates in the US are highest among elderly men, and most involve guns, CDC report says
Teen boys and young men experienced a more noticeable decrease in suicide rates compared to young females. However, the majority of suicide deaths among teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 24 were still males, according to the preliminary data.
The provisional data also indicates that rates for all other age groups have increased. Overall, age-adjusted rates continue to be highest among American Indian individuals, with approximately 27 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. Additionally, rates among White individuals are also higher than average, with around 18 deaths per 100,000 people.
Over 50% of suicides are committed using firearms, and a recent analysis of preliminary CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions revealed that gun-related suicides have hit an all-time high in 2022.
Ari Davis, a policy advisor for the center, commented, "Gun suicides continue to claim the lives of elderly white men at alarming rates, and now, increasingly, the lives of Black teenagers."
"If we can put time and space between this lethal method and someone in crisis, it can save lives," he told CNN.
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In the summer of 2022, the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration introduced the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a replacement for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since then, 988 has handled approximately 7 million calls, texts, and chats, with over 500,000 in September alone, as reported by federal data.
However, survey data indicates that a significant number of adults in the US are unaware that they can contact licensed counselors via call, text, or online chat at 988 for crisis de-escalation, emotional support, or access to mental health resources. It is suggested that additional training and resources could enhance the lifeline's ability to support those in need.
