"Alarming Surge: US Suicide Deaths Hit Record High in 2022, Reveals CDC Data"

The number of suicide deaths in the United States reached a record high of approximately 49,000 in 2022, marking a 2.6% increase from the previous year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over half of these suicides involved firearms. U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed concern over the data, emphasizing the need to address the mental health crisis and combat the stigma surrounding seeking help. The suicide rate in 2022, at 14.9 deaths per 100,000 people, is 5% higher than the previous record set in 2018.