From 2020 to 2022, the suicide rate among males increased 4.5%, while rising by 7.2% among females during that period, according to the final data.
The suicide rate in the U.S. was back at its highest in decades in 2022 after two consecutive years of declines that overlapped with the kickoff of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the most recent final data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The age-adjusted suicide rate was 14.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2022, amounting to 49,476 people that year. The suicide rate in 2022 was similar to the rate of 14.1 in 2021 and the same as that of 2018, marking the highest levels in the U.S. since 1941. The rise marks a 30% increase from the rate of 10.9 per 100,000 in 2002 and follows a 5% drop that occurred between 2018 and 2020.
Additionally, provisional CDC data obtained by The Associated Press indicated that just over 49,300 suicides were reported in 2023 – a number that could still increase as cases are investigated. Still, the CDC told the AP that the figure was close enough to the 2022 number as to be unchanged.
According to the final data, the suicide rate among males increased 4.5%, from 22 deaths per 100,000 in 2020 to 23 per 100,000 in 2022, while rising by 7.2% among females during that period, from 5.5 to 5.9 per 100,000. From 2002 to 2018, the suicide rate among males was three to four times higher than the rate among females.
As in 2021, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2022, according to the data. In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14 and 20 to 34, and was third leading cause among teens between the ages of 15 and 19 years.
The data finds the suicide rate increased among both men and women 25 and older between 2020 and 2022, while the rate decreased among males ages 10 to 14 and 15 to 24 and remained similar among females during that period.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Firearms were the leading cause of suicide among males and females in 2022. The rate of firearm-related suicide among males increased 31% after reaching a low of 10.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2006 to 13.5 per 100,000 in 2022, which was unchanged from the rate in 2021.
While the CDC report does not identify possible contributing factors for the rise in the U.S. suicide rate, a January study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that increased access to prescription drugs as well as worsening economic conditions were likely to have increased risk for Americans in recent years.
– Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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