According to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people who committed suicide in the United States reached a record high of 49,449 in 2022. The suicide rate in 2022 — 14.9 deaths for every 100,000 people — was also 5% higher than the previous record high of 14.2 deaths for every 100,000 people from 2018.

“Today’s report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in a statement on Thursday, Aug. 11. “Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone.”

Over half of all U.S. suicides in 2022 involved firearms. Experts have said recent increases in suicide might be driven by a range of factors, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services.

“These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles, and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another,” Murthy said. “If you or a loved one are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please know that your life matters and that you are not alone.”

The largest increases were seen in older adults. Deaths rose nearly 7% in people ages 45 to 64, and more than 8% in people 65 and older.

Meanwhile, young people committed fewer suicides compared to 2021, with those ages 10 to 24 seeing an 8% drop. The CDC credited this to a higher awareness and emphasis on mental health.

A national crisis line launched in 2022. Anyone in the U.S. can dial 988 to reach mental health specialists, something the CDC hopes will help lower the unprecedented suicide rates.