SUICIDES HIT ALL TIME HIGH IN 2022: CDC DATA

The number of U.S. suicide deaths reached an all-time high in 2022, according to provisional data released last week from the CDC. An estimated 49,449 people died by suicide in the U.S. last year, up 2.6 percent from the estimated 48,183 in 2021.

The male suicide rate was up 2.3 percent, from 38,358 deaths in 2021 to 39,255 deaths in 2022. The female suicide rate was up 3.8 percent, from 9,825 deaths in 2021 to 10,194 deaths in 2022.

Suicide had been rising steadily from the early 2000s until 2018. In 2019 and 2020, the number of suicides dipped slightly, before rising again by approximately 4 percent in 2021, with 48,183 deaths.

Despite the increase in such deaths, many say that the increase in resources and awareness of mental health issues gives some hope. A new national crisis line was launched a year ago, so people can dial 9-8-8 and get help from mental health specialists.

Mental Health Resources:

www.nj.gov/health/