New data shows the suicide rate increased between 2020 and 2022, with firearms as the leading means, despite an age-adjusted decline in suicide prices from 2018 to 2020.
In the reportreleased Thursday from 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 2018, marks the highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the United States since 1941,” the report noted.
When examining more specific age groups, the ranking changes. For people aged 10 to 14 and 20 to 34, suicide was the second most common cause of death. For people aged 15 to 19, suicide was the third most common cause.
The report also looked at changes between genders and ways of committing suicide.
For women 25 and older, suicide rates generally increased between 2020 and 2022. During the same time frame, rates decreased for boys ages 10 to 14 and 15 to 24 but generally increased for older age groups.
“The suicide rate for men was three to four times higher than for women during the period,” the report added.
For men and women in 2022, firearm-related suicide was the leading method of suicide, with rates generally increasing since 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Previously, between 2002 and 2015, poisoning was the leading method of suicide for women. Suffocation-related suicide decreased slightly for both men and women from 2020 to 2022.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach out 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can too chat with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
For more information on mental health resources and supportThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.