New data shows that suicide rate has increased between 2020 and 2022, with firearms being the primary means, despite an age-adjusted decline suicide rates from 2018 to 2020.
In the report released Thursday by the National Center for Health Statistics, data showed that suicide was the 11th leading cause of death for all ages in the United States in 2022.
“The 2022 rate, which was the same as in 2018, marks the highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the United States since 1941,” the report notes.
When looking at more specific age groups, the ranking changes. people aged 10 to 14 and among 20- to 34-year-olds, suicide was the second leading cause of death. Among those aged 15 to 19, suicide was the third leading cause of death.
The report also looked at changes by gender and means of suicide.
Among women aged 25 and older, suicide rates generally increased between 2020 and 2022. Over the same period, rates decreased among boys aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 24, but generally increased for older age groups.
“The suicide rate among men was three to four times higher than that of women during this period,” the report adds.
For men and women in 2022, suicide by firearm was the primary means of suicide, with rates generally increasing since 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Previously, between 2002 and 2015, poisoning was the leading means of suicide among women. Suicide by suffocation decreased slightly among both men and women between 2020 and 2022.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at info@nami.org.
