Officials Warn Of ‘Troubling’ Spike In US Suicides

COVID-19 lockdowns and intrusive technology are among the modern factors that experts say have led to increased rates of depression among the general public.

The World Health Organization determined that anxiety and depression spiked 25% worldwide in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are highlighting the staggering impact of a mental health crisis within this country. Last year alone, there were nearly 50,000 suicides, marking a record high and a 2.6% year-over-year increase.

“The troubling increase in suicides requires immediate action across our society to address the staggering loss of life from tragedies that are preventable,” said CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra reacted to the report by encouraging Americans who are struggling with mental health issues to seek the help they need.

“One life lost to suicide is one too many,” he said. “Yet, too many people still believe asking for help is a sign of weakness. We must continue to eliminate the stigmatization of mental health and make care available to all Americans.”

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy echoed that sentiment in a statement of his own.

“These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles, and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another,” Murthy declared.

American deaths caused by suicide decreased in both 2019 and 2020, but shot up by 5% in 2021 before hitting an all-time high last year.

While the American population as a whole experienced an increase in suicides, two demographic groups saw declines. The number of young people between the ages of 10 and 24 who died as a result of suicide dropped by 8.4% last year and the suicide rate among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals declined by 6.1%.

Among Americans in the 25-44 age group, suicide rose from the fourth- to the second-leading cause of death. But it was older age groups — and particularly White men within those groups — that saw the highest increase. 

Suicides increased by 7% last year among Americans age 45 to 64 and 8% among those 65 and older.