US suicides hit an all-time high last year

Nearly 49,500 people took their own lives in the last year across the U.S., the highest number of deaths ever recorded according to the latest statistics released by the government on Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who published the figures but hasn't yet determined the rate of suicide for the year. However, data indicates that suicides are more frequent across the U.S. than at any moment since the start in World War II.

"There's something amiss. This number shouldn't increase," said Christina Wilbur 45-year-old Florida mother whose child committed suicide himself to death in the year 2000.

"My son should not have died," she remarked. "I am aware of the complexity but I truly believe. But we need to be able do something. Something we're not doing. Since what we're doing currently isn't aiding."

Experts say that suicide is a complex issue and that recent rises may be attributed to a variety of factors, such as higher rates of depression and the lack of accessibility of medical services for the mentally ill.

However, the main reason is the increased access to guns, according Jill Harkavy Friedman, senior vice head of research at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Gun-related suicides end with death more often than other suicide attempts and sales of guns have risen dramatically, putting guns in increasing numbers of homes.

Recent Johns Hopkins University analysis made use of preliminary 2022 data to estimate that the nation's overall suicide rate from guns increased in the past year to a record highest level.

The first time ever, the suicide rate from guns for Black teens was higher than the rate among white teens, researchers discovered.

"I don't know if you can talk about suicide without talking about firearms," Harvey-Friedman stated.

U.S. suicides steadily rose through the 2000s, until 2018, when the suicide rate hit the highest since 1941.

In the year 2008, there were around 48,300 suicides -which is 14.2 per 100,000 Americans.

The rate dropped slightly in the year 2019.

The number of cases dropped in 2020 in the initial one year that the COVID-19 virus was in full swing.

Certain experts have linked it to the phenomenon that occurs in the initial phases of wars and natural disasters, when people band together and help one another.

According to the latest data the number increased by over 1,000 to 49,449 -- an increase of 3% compared to. the year prior.

The data is derived directly from U.S. death certificates and is believed to be nearly complete, however, it could change when death information is re-examined over the next few months.

The greatest increases were observed in the older age group.

Death rates increased by nearly 7 percent in the age group 45-64 and over 8% for those over 65.

Men of color, particularly white are at a high risk of being ill of cancer, the CDC reported.

Many older and middle-aged people are faced with issues like losing their job or losing a partner and it's vital to remove stigmas and other barriers to receiving help, according to doctor. Debra Houry, the Chief Medical Officer of the CDC.

Adult suicides in the age group between 25 and 44 increased by 1%..

The new data suggests that suicide ranked as the second most common cause of death in this year 2022. an increase from no. 4 in 2021.

Despite the grim stats Some believe there's a reason to be hopeful.

A crisis line for the nation was launched in the year 2000 that means anyone within the U.S. can dial 988 to speak with mental health professionals.

The CDC expands the suicide prevention program to finance more prevention efforts in various communities.

The public is becoming more aware of the problem and it's okay to ask for help, according to health officials.