💔 Suicide Rates in the U.S. Just Hit a Record High — Here's What That Means

theymatter4
Jul 1, 2025
2 min read

In a recent report from Psychiatric Times, it was revealed that 2022 had the highest number of suicides in the U.S. since World War II. That’s nearly 50,000 lives lost to suicide in just one year—a heartbreaking number that reminds us how serious this crisis is.

What the Numbers Show

49,369 people died by suicide in 2022.
That’s about 14 people out of every 100,000, the highest rate since 1941.
The lowest suicide rates were around the year 2000. Since then, the numbers have slowly gone up.
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34.

Who's Most at Risk?

Some groups are seeing faster increases in suicide rates than others:

Teenage girls
People in rural and suburban areas
Healthcare workers
People with chronic illness or emotional pain
Most suicides are still done with firearms, which are very deadly.

Why Is This Happening?

Experts believe there are many reasons, including:

More mental health struggles like depression, trauma, and anxiety
Lack of support or access to care—especially in smaller towns or for underserved communities
Easy access to dangerous tools, like firearms
Isolation, especially after COVID-19

Globally, suicide rates have actually gone down. But in the U.S., they’ve gone up by nearly 30% since 2000.

What Can We Do?

Doctors and mental health professionals say we need to:

Notice the signs early and reach out to people who are struggling
Give better access to mental health help, especially in rural areas
Reduce access to lethal means, like guns, when someone is at risk
Build stronger communities where people feel seen, safe, and supported

What We Believe at AASP THEY MATTER

This crisis hits close to home for us. Many of the people we serve have experienced:

Chronic illness
Mold exposure
Chemical sensitivity
Medication harm
Bullying and trauma

We know that suicide doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Often, it’s the result of feeling unheard, misunderstood, and alone. That’s why we created U MATTER Cards, THEY MATTER Boxes, and support tools—because everyone deserves to be reminded that their life matters.

📞 Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling:

Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7 Crisis Text Line)

You are not alone. And there is help.

Final Thoughts

Suicide is a growing problem—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.Together, we can:

Raise awareness
Listen without judgment
Support those who are hurting
And speak life where silence once lived

Because no matter what you’re going through, you matter—and so do they.

Disclaimer: The information found on AASP THEY MATTER / Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention posts are not meant to treat, cure, diagnose or heal you or anyone else. These posts are for educational purposes only. If you are in need of medical care please consult with a qualified medical professional.