Suicides by firearm reach all-time high, rising 11% since 2019: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a report highlighting a disturbing 11% rise in suicides by firearm in the United States between 2019 and 2022. The data revealed that an estimated 27,024 individuals died by firearm suicide in 2022, up from 23,941 in 2019.

All racial and ethnic groups experienced increases, notably with a 66% rise among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. While white individuals had the highest rates of firearm suicides in 2022, other groups had significantly lower rates.

The report, however, did not provide specific breakdowns by sex or age, limiting insight into those demographics' roles in the rise.

Recommendations from researchers include promoting secure firearm storage and offering counseling and social services to help reduce these tragic incidents. Strategies to lower suicide risk involve fostering social connections and addressing economic disparities.

These findings coincide with a separate CDC report noting a record-high of 49,449 suicides in 2022, a 3% increase from 2021. Over the past two decades, suicide rates have risen by one-third, with over half of these cases involving firearms.

Experts attribute the pandemic's impact, exacerbating known risk factors for suicide such as social isolation, relationship stressors, and substance abuse.

With one suicide death occurring approximately every 11 minutes, suicide remains a leading cause of mortality in the US, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and comprehensive prevention strategies.