CDC data: Suicide reached record high in US in 2022

WASHINGTON (TND) — Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the nation.

More people died from suicide in the U.S. last year than any other year on record, according to newly released provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC found the number of suicide deaths increased in 2021, after two years of decline, and then further increased in 2022, to nearly 50,000.

Experts say it’s a complicated issue, and recent increases might be driven by a range of factors from higher rates of depression to limited availability of mental health services.

“It’s absolutely in line with what we’re seeing,” licensed marriage and family therapist Susan Pennington said. “There’s been increased need for mental health care, and, unfortunately, there’s also been a decrease of availability to clients. ... I think there’s again more of a need, because just a lot of individuals are isolating, and it’s hard to find care.”

There are resources if you or your family need it.

Last month marks the first anniversary of the launch of 988, a 911 for suicide prevention.

You can also contact The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) help line at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).