Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that U.S. suicides last year remained at about the highest level in the nation's history, with a little over 49,300 suicide deaths reported in 2023. This number may increase slightly as some death investigations are finalized and reported. The final data for 2022 showed just under 49,500 reported suicide deaths, resulting in the same suicide rate for both years.
U.S. suicide rates have been on the rise for nearly two decades, except for a brief decline at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent leveling off of the increase in suicide rates is seen as cautiously promising news by experts. Efforts such as the introduction of a national crisis line allowing individuals to dial 988 to reach mental health specialists may be starting to have a positive impact, although the full extent of these efforts remains to be seen.
Experts emphasize that suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including higher rates of depression, limited access to mental health services, and the availability of firearms. In 2022, about 55% of all suicide deaths involved firearms, according to CDC data.
The CDC's report highlighted that suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–14 and 20–34, and the third leading cause for those aged 15–19. Suicide deaths were more prevalent among boys and men compared to girls and women, with the highest suicide rate observed in men aged 75 and older. Among women, middle-aged individuals had the highest rate, while significant increases were noted in teens and young women over the past two decades.
The overall suicide rate in 2022 and 2023 stood at 14.2 per 100,000 individuals, a rate that had not been seen since 1941 before 2018. The data underscores the importance of continued efforts to address mental health and suicide prevention in the United States.
