This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data on suicide deaths for 2021. According to the data, suicide deaths in the United States increased from 45,979 to 48,183 between 2020 and 2021.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention released a statement regarding this new data. In part, it reads, “At AFSP, we are saddened and disappointed by the increase in suicide deaths and rates – even one death from suicide is one too many. The new data from the CDC strengthens our drive to save lives and being hope to those affected by suicide through advancing scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, and advocating for public policies that support more scalable and customized prevention strategies.”

The statement goes on to describe how there is a wave of change in our society that helps destigmatize talking openly about, and seeking help to prevent, suicide. This is giving people more confidence to take action to protect their own and others’ mental health and well-being.

The AFSP suggests three important considerations as we continue to move forward with suicide prevention work. The first is that there are a myriad factors that can contribute to suicide, requiring multiple prevention strategies. Public education and greater awareness about suicide and prevention reduce suicide deaths. The new data shows that there are suicide increases for people of color and young adults. Therefore, it is important to develop and provide customized, widely accessible and culturally-informed prevention and treatment efforts.

Jenny Kane, Associated Press

Secondly, there is hope. People are seeking connection, support and treatment. There has been a cultural shift towards prioritizing mental health in our society. People are reaching out for help more than ever before. There is an increase in emergency department visits, greater demand for mental health professionals and calls to 988 and more people are engaging in self-care.

Third, help is available. There are many resources out there to help those who are struggling. Begin by calling 988. Also, check out http://afsp.org and AFSP Utah for more resources and for ways to help. Reach out to a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, clergy. Just reach out. Reach out more than once, if needed.

We can never be reminded too many times about steps that we can all take to prevent suicide and help others. Learn the signs to watch for such as changes in behavior, mood swings, loss of interest in activities and angry outbursts. Reach out if you think someone may be struggling. Ask directly if they have thoughts of ending their life. Connect them with help. Share the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or connect them with mental health professionals.

This newly-released CDC report serves as a reminder that while much work is being done to prevent suicide, there is much more to do. We all have a continual role to play in preventing suicide and watching out for others. We can all resolve to continue to reach out, continue to learn and continue to hope.