CDC headquarters in Atlanta.Photo:Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty
Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty
AsThe Associated Pressnoted, the data suggests suicides are more common than they’ve been in the U.S. since World War II, with previous CDC data shared in 2018 showing the suicide rate had reached its highest level since 1941.
“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.”
According to the CDC’s figures, suicide rates increased 37% between 2000-2018 and decreased 5% between 2018-2020, before again going up in 2021. The data also shows that firearms usage was the most common method of suicide in 2022, accounting for over 50% of the reported deaths.
The new data also showed a 2.3% increase in men specifically and a 3.8% increase in women specifically in comparison to 2021. Men also made up nearly 80% of suicides, according to the preliminary figures.
Per the new report, two groups saw a decline in suicide numbers, including American Indian and Alaska Native people — whose numbers were down 6.1% — and young people between the ages of 10 and 24 — whose numbers were down 8.4% from 2021.
“Today’s report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America," U.S. Surgeon General Vivek 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.”
It went on: “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.”
Between 2019 and 2021, suicide rates involving guns rose 10% despite an 8% drop in suicides not involving guns,per the report.
source: people.com
