Provisional data indicates that suicide deaths in the United States increased in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data showed an approximate 2.6% increase from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to an estimated 49,449 deaths in 2022.

Though, the data also revealed a decline in suicide deaths among two specific populations: American indian and Alaska Native people (down 6.1%) and individuals aged 10-24 years old (down 8.4%).

“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 HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “the Biden-Harris Administration is making unprecedented investments to transform how mental health is understood, accessed and treated as part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda. we must continue to eliminate the stigmatization of mental health and make care available to all Americans.”

CDC’s Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, M.D.,M.P.H. emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “The troubling increase in suicides requires immediate action across our society to address the staggering loss of life from tragedies that are preventable.Everyone can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths.”

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., highlighted the urgency of the situation: “Today’s report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America. 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. If you or a loved one are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please know that your life matters and that you are not alone. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone who needs help.”

Extensive prevention Strategies

“one life lost to suicide is one too many.”

The CDC is actively working to address suicide through various programs and resources.Last week, the CDC announced seven new recipients in CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP), now funding 24 programs to implement and evaluate a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention, with a special focus on populations that are disproportionately affected by suicide. The CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action offers states and communities evidence-based strategies to prevent suicide.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline have outlined five key steps individuals can take to help prevent suicide and support those in crisis:

1. Ask: Initiating conversations about suicide can reduce suicidal thoughts.
2. Help keep them safe: Limiting access to lethal means is crucial.
3. Be there: Connection and reducing isolation are protective factors.
4. Help them connect: Contacting the 988 Lifeline can provide immediate support and hope.
5. Follow up: Continued support after connecting with resources can increase feelings of connectedness.

for more information on how to communicate with someone who may be suicidal, visit https://www.bethe1to.com/ to learn five action steps.

The 988 Suicide & crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Contact them by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

To access the latest suicide data and learn more about the CDC’s suicide prevention efforts, visit Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide | CDC.