Note: This data note was updated on August 4, 2023 to correct a data error in Figure 4.
From 2011 to 2022, more than half a million lives (539,810) were lost to suicide, with 2022 seeing the highest number of deaths on record. During this period, the adjusted suicide rate increased by 16%. Recognizing the growing mental health crisis and the demand for accessible crisis care, the federal government introduces a new crisis number, 988, available nationwide in July 2022. This easy-to-remember three-digit number connects suicidal or mental health emergency callers to a crisis counselor at one of the More than 200 local crisis call centers. There, they can access crisis counseling, resources, referrals and connections with others crisis services. Although suicide deaths slowed in 2019 and 2020, they began to increase again in 2021 and 2022, but the cause of this recent increase in suicides is unclear.
Key Takeaways from Aggregate Analysis provisional data from 2022 and CDC WONDER data from 2011 to 2021, representing the most recent and complete data available before mid-2022 launch of 988, include the following:
- Preliminary CDC data for 2022 shows a record 49,369 suicide deaths, following modest declines in 2019 and 2020.
- In 2022, preliminary data shows the highest number of gun-related suicides on record; The increase in suicides by firearm is responsible for the increase in the total number of suicide deaths in recent years.
- Suicide death rates in 2021 were highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives, men, and people living in rural areas.
- Suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, young people and those living in rural areas, with many groups seeing an increase of 30% or more between 2011 and 2021.
- Suicide death rates varied significantly across states in 2021, as did the rate of change between 2011 and 2021.
Preliminary data from the CDC shows that the number of suicide deaths in 2022 is the highest on record, surpassing the nearest year (2018) by more than 1,000 deaths (Figure 1). Adjusted for population growth and age, the suicide rate increased by 16% between 2011 and 2022, from 12.3 to 14.4 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Going further back to 1999, we see a substantial increase of 37% from a rate of 10.57 per 100,000 population. Notably, although 2022 saw the highest number of suicide deaths, its rate is similar to that of 2018 (14.5 in 2022 compared to 14.2 in 2018 per 100,000) but higher than the rate of 2020, the year before suicide deaths start to climb again. Increase in suicide deaths follows high levels of mental health symptoms during COVIDfinancial rise stressorsAnd long standing difficulty accessing needed mental health care, particularly for certain populations. The total number of suicides may be underestimated, as some research suggests that suicides may be misclassified as drug overdose deaths because it can be difficult to determine whether drug overdoses are intentional.
Preliminary 2022 data shows the highest number of gun-related suicides ever recorded, bringing the overall increase in suicide deaths to record levels. Gun-related suicides have been increasing during the last years. In 2021, gun-related suicides increased 8% compared to 2020 and increased another 3% in 2022, while deaths from other suicide methods remained more stable (Figure 2). Gun-related suicides are now the most common method of suicide, accounting for 55% of all suicide deaths in 2021 and 2022. The availability of guns (measured indirectly by the number of gun laws in a State) is linked to gun suicide rates – states with fewer gun laws having higher rates. Suicide death accounted for more than half (55%) of all deaths involving firearms in 2021.
Suicide death rates in 2021 were highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs), men, and people living in rural areas. In 2021, AIANs had the highest suicide death rate at 28.1 per 100,000 people, one and a half times higher than the rate for whites (17.4 per 100,000 people). Suicide death rates among blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders were at least half those of whites. Women are more likely to report mental illness and are more likely to suicide attempt, but suicide death rates among men are four times higher (22.8 versus 5.7 per 100,000). Non-metropolitan areas have a higher suicide rate (20.2 per 100,000) than metropolitan areas (13.6 per 100,000). There are similar suicide rates across all adult age groups in 2021 (Figure 3). Because young people are less likely to die from other causes, suicides are the second in first place cause of death in adults under 45, accounting 16% of deaths among 18-25 year olds and 9% of deaths among 26-44 year olds in 2020.
Suicide deaths are increasing fastest among people of color, young people, and people living in rural areas. Between 2011 and 2021, suicide death rates increased significantly among people of color, with the largest increase among AIANs (70% increase, from 16.5 to 28.1 per 100,000), followed by Blacks (58% increase, from 5.5 to 8.7 per 100,000). , and Hispanics (39% increase, 5.7 to 7.9 per 100,000) (Figure 3). Other studies show a particularly large increase in deaths by suicide among Black youth and teenagers. Underdiagnosis of Mental Health terms, structural barriers to care, stereotypes And discrimination associated with poor mental health, racism and discrimination, and disparities in use mental health services can all contribute to increasing suicide rates among people of color. Among adolescents, emergency room visits for suicide attempts have increased in recent years, mainly due to women. And one KFF/CNN investigation found that around half of parents said the pandemic had had a negative impact on their child’s mental health, with 17% saying it had had a “major negative impact”. In rural areas, suicide death rates have increased significantly, possibly due to acute crises. shortages mental health workers in these areas. The suicide mortality rate also increased among adolescents (48% increase, from 4.4 to 6.5 per 100,000) and young adults (39% increase, from 13.0 to 18.1 per 100). 000) between 2011 and 2021 (Figure 3).
Suicide death rates varied significantly depending on State in 2021, just like the rate of change from 2011 to 2021. Suicide death rates by state range from a low of 6.21 per 100,000 residents in Washington, D.C. to a high of 32.34 in Wyoming, with a median death rate of 15.3 per 100,000 residents. in 2021 (Figure 4). The suicide rate can vary by state due to factors such as demographics, firearm availability (involved in more than half of suicides), mental health statusAnd to access to mental health services. Between 2011 and 2021, suicide death rates increased by 25% or more in 12 states, with the largest increases in Alaska (54% increase, from 20.0 to 30.8 per 100,000), in South Dakota (48% increase, from 15.7 to 23.4 per 100,000). ), Nebraska (43% increase, from 10.5 to 15.0 per 100,000), and Montana (42% increase, from 22.5 to 32.0 per 100,000).
Although the exact cause of the increase in suicides in recent years is unknown, it may reflect, in part, increasing stressors and long-standing not satisfied mental health needs – challenges that coincide with the launch of 988. During his first year, 988 response rates improved and reduced wait times while processing nearly 5 million contacts due to increased demand; however, its influence on overall suicide rates, particularly among people of color or other vulnerable populations, is not yet visible.. Since its introduction in July 2022, 988 received almost 5 million contacts, including nearly a million from the Veterans Crisis Line. Although early national indicators appear positive, disparities in state performance and questions regarding long-term funding for public call centers and crisis infrastructure persist. Currently publicly available data on 988 provides only a partial view of its implementation and possible access challenges. Analysis of more comprehensive 988 metrics, combined with future data on suicide attempts and deaths, could help shed light on the impact of 988 and associated crisis services in combating escalating deaths by suicide.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline on 988.
This work was supported in part by Well Being Trust. KFF maintains full editorial control over all its political analysis, polling and journalism activities.
