US Suicide Rate Remained Near Historic Highs in 2023

The suicide rate in the United States remained at about historic highs in 2023, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There were a little over 49,300 deaths by suicide reported in 2023, according to the data. However, that number could increase as some death investigations are completed and reported.
In 2022, there were just below 49,500 deaths by suicide reported, according to finalized data released by the CDC on Thursday, which looked at U.S. suicide statistics over the past two decades.
The overall rate in 2022 and 2023 was 14.2 deaths per 100,000, the same as in 2018. Before then, the annual rate hadn’t reached that peak since 1941.
Since 2002, the annual suicide rate has increased, with the exception of 2018 to 2020. The rate decreased from 14.2 to 13.5 deaths per 100,000 during this time. Meanwhile, 2021 saw a similar rate to 2018, 2022, and 2023, with 14.1 deaths per 100,000.
In 2022, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages, the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34 and the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-19.
Suicide rates generally increased for women aged 25 and older from 2020 to 2022. Meanwhile, during the same period, the rates decreased for men ages 10-14 and 15-24 and generally increased for older age groups.
In 2022, firearms were the leading means of suicide for both women and men. The firearm-related rate for women in 2022 was two deaths per 100,000. Meanwhile, the firearm-related rate for men in 2022 was 13.5.
Many factors contribute to suicide risk, and the CDC breaks them up into individual, relationship, community and societal risk factors.
Individual risk factors can include having a history of depression and other mental illnesses, having a serious illness such as chronic pain, having legal issues or having financial problems.
Bullying, loss of relationships and violent relationships are some relationship risk factors. There are also community risk factors such as community violence, historical trauma and discrimination. Societal risk factors include stigma associated with mental illness and easy access to lethal means of suicide.
However, there are also circumstances that protect against suicide risk, which can also be broken down into these four categories.
There are individual protective factors, such as having effective coping skills; relationship protective factors, like having a support system of loved ones; community protective factors, which include feeling connected to your school or community; and societal protective factors, such as cultural, religious or moral objections.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. by calling or texting 988.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.