US Suicide Rates: Alarmingly High Yet Stabilizing

US suicides in 2023 remained near historic highs with over 49,300 deaths, according to preliminary data. The rate has been rising for 20 years but showed signs of stabilizing. The CDC noted that suicide was the second leading cause of death for certain age groups and highlighted the impact of firearms.

US suicides last year remained at one of the highest levels in the nation's history, preliminary data suggested on Thursday.

More than 49,300 suicide deaths were reported in 2023, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number might increase slightly as outstanding death investigations conclude.

In comparison, just under 49,500 suicides were reported in 2022, with the CDC noting that the suicide rate for both years is statistically similar. This marked stabilization offers some cautious optimism following a consistent rise in rates over the past 20 years, aside from a brief dip during the early COVID-19 pandemic period.

Katherine Keyes, a public health professor at Columbia University specializing in suicide studies, highlighted efforts such as the national mental health crisis line (988) as potential contributors to this stabilization. However, she emphasized the need for continued evaluation to confirm this trend.

Experts warn that suicide - recently ranked as the nation's 11th leading cause of death - is a multifaceted issue influenced by factors such as increasing depression rates, limited mental health services, and the prevalence of firearms. Notably, 55% of suicides in 2022 involved guns.

CDC data revealed further concerning trends: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and 20-34, with men and older adults particularly affected, displaying significantly higher rates than other groups.

The overall suicide rate for 2022 and 2023 stood at 14.2 per 100,000, a peak not seen at this level since 1941, underscoring the critical need for continued prevention efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)