The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released data showing that suicide rates rose two percent from the previous year, adding to an ongoing trend over the last two years.
Approximately 48,183 people died by suicide in 2021, followed by 49,449 deaths in 2022. On the heels of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, experts say the reason for the increase shouldn’t be pinned to one specific reason but rather many different factors that must be addressed.
Factors could include additional agencies accurately reporting data, the increase of substance abuse deaths over the last few years and problems relating to inequality and the economy.
Initiatives like the National Violent Death Reporting System have helped to collect data on the issue after it was expanded to all 50 states in 2018. It helps to monitor and track violent death trends.
“There’s a lot of good reasons that would lead us to think that suicides would increase,” said Dr. Julie Cerel, director of the University of Kentucky’s Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, which focuses on research related to prevention, research and the understanding of suicide and its effects.
After the release of the 2022 suicide numbers, the government launched the 988 hotline number for all cellphone and landlines users, connecting 988 calls to over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers. Callers can be routed to crisis hotlines and speak to counselors.
The hotline itself is just one component in addressing mental health crises. Cerel said that the issue is compounded by a lack of resources. She called the new hotline a “good, small step in the right direction,” while adding that the initiative has been strained by a lack of funding.
As a result, there’s a lack of professionals answering the phones as well as few good referral resources. The service needs mental health professionals at all levels ready help people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, Cerel said.
“Unfortunately, most mental…
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