CDC data shows US suicide rate jumped in 2021

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released data showing an increase in suicide rates in the United States.

CDC data showed on Friday that after a two-year decline in the number of suicides, those deaths went back up in 2021.

The data showed that 48,183 people in the US committed suicide in 2021, indicating a year-on-year rise compared to 45,979 deaths in 2020 and 47,511 in 2019.

CDC reported that the record high for suicides in a single year came in 2018 when 48,344 Americans took their own life.

The report noted that there was a disparity between the different races and age groups in the US and the number of suicide among the youth and Black Americans were “significantly” higher than others.

The CDC specifically pointed out that the number of young Black Americans who have committed suicide over the most recent three-year period was alarming.

“Suicide rates among persons aged 10–24 years increased significantly during 2018–2021 among Black persons (from 8.2 to 11.2; a 36.6% increase),” the report stated.

The report noted the “particular concern” with younger Black Americans is mirrored among 25- to 44-year-olds of different ethnic groups.

Hispanics also saw a 19.4% jump, while suicides for non-Hispanic multiracial Americans in that age range rose by 20.6% over that time period.

“It's much more helpful to understand data, at this segmented level, because it really helps us to design the right research and the right interventions for the future,” Julie Goldstein Grumet, vice president and director at the Zero Suicide Institute at the Education Development Center, told Yahoo News. She called the figures “disheartening.”

“It's challenging to realize, you know, that in some populations, suicide is just growing so exponentially,” she added.

However, the CDC report also noted that older Americans were committing fewer suicides than before.

"Rates among persons aged 45–64 years decreased significantly overall (−12.4%) and among non-Hispanic Asian (−15.9%), Hispanic (−9.3%), and White persons (−11.5%). No significant changes were noted among persons aged ≥65 years,” the CDC report stated.

In the meantime, suicide is four times higher in men compared to women. Experts attribute this to the fact that men are more likely to use lethal means, and have more difficulty in seeking mental help.

The CDC data fails to provide a breakdown of the deceased by their social status and level of income.

US suicide rate rose in 2021, particularly among young men

The US suicide rate rose in 2021, particularly among young men, according to official data out Friday -- an increase that ends a two-year-decline.

In the United States, suicides have been cited as a leading cause of death.

The United States recently introduced a simpler three-digit helpline for people who experience a suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need.

By launching the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the US government replaced the longer 10-digit number.

"We're very happy about 988, which is the new mental health crisis line, and the accompanying crisis services that go with it, because this is going to bring options to people who feel so desperate and in such pain," said Jill Harkavy-Friedman of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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