Provisional Suicide Deaths in the United States, 2022

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Americans perceive that America is encountering a mental health emergency in the majority of instances. This is demonstrated by the recent suicide mortality statistics disclosed by the CDC. Each instance of suicide represents a life tragically lost. Nevertheless, numerous individuals still hold the belief that seeking assistance indicates vulnerability,” expressed Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a component of President Biden’s Unity Agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration is undertaking unprecedented efforts to revolutionize the comprehension, accessibility, and treatment of mental health. It is imperative that we persist in eradicating the stigmatization surrounding mental health and ensuring that care is accessible to all Americans.

“The preventable loss of life from tragedies necessitates immediate action across our society to tackle the alarming surge in suicide deaths,” expressed Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., The Chief Medical Officer of CDC. “Each individual has the capacity to contribute to the endeavors aimed at saving lives and reversing the upward trend in suicides.”

If you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis or experiencing emotional distress, please know that Lifeline Crisis and Suicide 988 is available 24/7 to help. We recognize the importance of supporting and checking on one another’s mental health struggles and addressing the root causes of mental health issues. It is urgent that we expand access to mental health care and further recognize how sobering these numbers are. You are not alone in your struggles and your life matters.

Last week, the CDC announced seven new recipients of funding for its Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program (CSP). This program aims to evaluate and implement comprehensive public health approaches to suicide prevention, with a special focus on populations that are disproportionately affected. It offers evidence-based strategies and resources to communities and states in order to prevent suicide.

The Lifeline Crisis & Suicide Prevention Alliance and the National Action for Suicide suggest five steps to help safeguard people from the risk of suicide and provide them with support during a crisis.

  • Inquire: Inquiring and discussing about suicide may actually decrease rather than enhance thoughts of suicide.
  • Assisting in guaranteeing their well-being: Reducing the access of individuals at risk of suicide to lethal means is a vital component of preventing suicide.
  • The act of being in the moment: Improving an individual’s feeling of being connected to others and diminishing their sense of loneliness has been scientifically validated as a proactive measure to prevent suicide.
  • Individuals who called Lifeline 988 were more likely to feel significantly less suicidal, less depressed, and less overwhelmed, with the hope of connecting to help them.
  • After you’ve connected with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, following up with them to see how they’re doing can help increase their feelings of support and connectedness. Even a simple form of reaching out, such as providing evidence that reducing risk is possible, can potentially reduce suicide.