Suicide Deaths Reached Record High in 2022

New CDC provisional data shows suicide rates in 2022 were the highest ever recorded in the United States.

The latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Statistics Surveillance Report on suicide deaths in the United States has revealed that more people died by intentional self-harm in 2022 than in any other year recorded since 1941.

After examining over 99% of 2022 death records, analysts found that at least 49,449 people died by suicide, which was 3% higher than 2021 suicide data showed.

Overall, the report shows that nearly all the age-adjusted suicide rates for males and females among five race and Hispanic-origin groups rose by 1 to 4% from 2021 to 2022.

Specifically, compared to 2021 data, the age-adjusted suicide rate was 1% higher for males and 4% higher for females in 2022. Among males, suicide rates declined for men 34 years old or younger but increased among those 35 years or older.

Still, women had a higher suicide percentage rate increase than men, especially among white women and females ages 25 to 34. However, the highest rates of suicide among women occurred in 45- to 54-year-old females.

Overall, the provisional data showed that more males died by intentional self-harm than females in 2022.

While other reports suggest suicide among teens is increasing, this latest surveillance data indicates that suicide rates among young people decreased in 2022. Among 10- to 14-year-old children, the rate fell by 18%. In the 15- to 24-year-old age group, suicide rates were down by 9%.

For males 75 and older, the suicide rate increased slightly, but overall, more men in this age group died by suicide in 2022 than those in other age ranges.

Data analysts also found that male and female American Indian and Alaska Natives had the highest rate of suicide, with white men and women experiencing the second highest rates.

The analysts say that because the data is provisional, the final suicide numbers for 2022 will likely be higher as analysts incorporate data from death certificates still awaiting confirmation on the cause of death.

Preventing suicide

In response to rising suicide rates, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022 to replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which had a longer 10-digit number. The lifeline offers free and confidential support for anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm.