This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 49,000 people expected to take their own life in 2022.
This is according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.
The report highlighted three county-level factors that contribute to suicide rates: health insurance coverage, home broadband internet access, and household income.
US suicide rate hits highest ever, according to CDC data
“Overall, in counties with high suicide rates, Health Insurance “Coverage, home broadband internet access, and household income were at lower rates than counties with lower levels of these factors,” the report said.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 49,000 people expected to take their own life in 2022. (iStock)
According to the CDC, suicide rates were highest among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Natives, men, and people living in rural areas.
“It may be intimidating to act on potential warning signs, but it is actually a courageous act that could save a life.”
Data for the report was drawn from the 2022 National Vital Statistics System.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the CDC for comment.
Warning signs to know about
The best way to prevent suicide is to check in on loved ones regularly and understand how they're doing, said Carla McNulty, president of behavioral and mental health for Minneapolis-based CVS Health.
“That way we can spot changes in their mental health and begin to help before they develop signs of suicide,” McNulty previously told Fox News Digital.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report identifying the top three factors that increase suicide rates. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)
“If your loved one is suffering from depression, substance use disorder, Anxiety or psychosisThis increases the risk of attempting suicide.”
Other risk factors for suicidal thoughts include: Eating disorderstrauma or personality-related disorders, McNulty warned.
A young woman is persuaded not to commit suicide by an off-duty paramedic who passes by. “Are you OK?”
“However, it is important to note that mental illness alone does not cause suicidal thoughts. It is the distress caused by these symptoms combined with life challenges that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours,” she added.
Experts said environmental factors such as long-term stress or life-changing events could also contribute to suicidal tendencies, as well as mental health problems and a family history of suicide.
Environmental factors such as long-term stress or life-changing events, as well as mental health problems and a family history of suicide, can also contribute to suicidal tendencies. (iStock)
Signs that a loved one may be considering suicide include feeling a sense of emptiness, wishing they were dead, Alcohol and drug useMcNulty said it's an act of saying goodbye to a loved one.
“If you hear things like the above, it's time to get help,” she said.
“Acting on potential warning signs may feel uncomfortable, but it's actually a courageous act that could save a life.”
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Suicidal thoughts aren't black or white, but rather more of a spectrum, says Dr. Ryan Sultan, a board-certified psychiatrist, research professor at Columbia University in New York and medical director of Integrative Psych NYC.
“An active plan or intent to commit suicide is on the more serious end of this spectrum, but even passive thoughts about suicide should never be ignored,” he previously told Fox News Digital.
“Any expression or sign of suicidal thoughts, no matter how innocuous they may seem, requires attention, understanding and appropriate intervention,” the mental health expert said. (iStock)
“While these thoughts do not necessarily translate into active planning or attempt, they are still of concern and should be a cause for alarm for both the individual experiencing them and those around them,” he continued.
“Any expression or sign of suicidal ideation, no matter how innocuous it may seem, requires attention, understanding and appropriate intervention.”
Debunking suicide myths
One of the most common misconceptions, McNulty said, is that mentioning the word “suicide” to someone in crisis makes them more likely to carry out the act.
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“Having an open and honest dialogue can promote healthy relationships and reduce the sense of isolation that someone suffering may be feeling,” she said.
“It's important not just to recognize the signs, but to feel empowered to act on them.”
McNulty noted that some people may mistakenly believe that suicide is something that cannot be prevented.
“Suicide is very complicated and may feel impossible to stop, but in reality, we need to continue to discuss warning signs and support those who need them. Available ResourcesThat would increase the chances of reducing suicide rates across the country,” she said.
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“Most people who have suicidal thoughts or intent are driven by excruciating pain and are extremely conflicted,” McNulty continued.
“Guiding someone to get professional help could potentially reverse that crucial decision. People don't usually want to die, they just want to end their suffering.”
Experts said the best way to prevent suicide is to regularly check in on loved ones and find out how they are doing. (iStock)
Sultan called for better education, open dialogue and improved access to resources to “bridge the gap” between suicide awareness and prevention.
“It's important to not only recognize the signs, but to be empowered to act on them,” he said, “only then can we stem the tide of rising suicidal thoughts among our younger generations.”
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If you are experiencing signs of suicidal thoughts, experts urge you to seek immediate help by calling, texting or chatting with 988. 988 Lifeline.
CVSHealth.com also offers numerous mental health guides, podcasts and trainings that center diverse populations and their unique mental health needs.
