Close to 50 thousand are estimated to have taken their own lives in the U.S. last year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released provisional data from death certificates that indicates a 3 percent increase in suicides between 2021 and 2022. Last year, 49,449 are estimated to have taken their own lives, over a thousand more than numbers confirmed in 2021, when 48,183 killed themselves. These numbers do not include medically assisted suicides or doctor-prescribed overdoses.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra stated, “Nine in ten Americans believe America is facing a mental health crisis. The new suicide death data reported by CDC illustrates why. One life lost to suicide is one too many. Yet, too many people still believe asking for help is a sign of weakness.” He added, “We must continue to eliminate the stigmatization of mental health and make care available to all Americans.”
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that the number of suicides in the United States has consistently risen in the past two decades. The CDC is funding 24 new suicide prevention programs. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer steps to support those at risk which include asking questions, staying connected, and following up.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Mandy Cohen as she heads the CDC.
- For Secretary Becerra as he oversees efforts to provide assistance to Americans with suicidal ideations.
- For those struggling with mental health to reach out and avail themselves of assistance.
- For wisdom, grace, and strength for the friends and loved ones of those at risk of suicide.
Sources: NBC News, Christian Post, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fox News, National Review
