Homicide and suicide rates among young Americans have experienced a significant increase in recent years, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This data sheds light on the state of mental health and violence in the United States.
The study, published by the CDC on Thursday, collected data from 2001 to 2021, spanning a 20-year period, focusing on Americans aged 10 to 24.
The report revealed an overall upward trend in suicide and homicide rates within this age group, making them the second and third leading causes of death, respectively, in 2021.
Experts believe that the increase in suicide and homicide rates is influenced by several factors, including stress, the influence of social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, higher rates of depression, limited access to mental health services, and increased accessibility to firearms.
According to data from the Pew Research Center, suicides accounted for 54% of gun-related deaths in 2021, while homicides accounted for 43%.
Findings on Suicide Rates:
Suicide was identified as the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10 to 24 in 2021, with a 62% increase in the suicide rate from 2007 to 2021. This rate rose from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to 11 deaths per 100,000 in 2021.
The most significant increase in suicide rates occurred among young adults aged 20 to 24. In 2021, this age group experienced an annual jump from 17.8 to 19.4 deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing the homicide rate for the same group.
For teenagers aged 15 to 19, the most substantial increase in suicide rates occurred from 2009 to 2017, with a 57% jump from 7.5 to 11.8 deaths per 100,000. This rate remained stable through 2021.
In February, the CDC reported that suicide rates significantly increased among American Indian, Black, and Hispanic populations in 2021, while rates decreased among White individuals for the third consecutive year.
Findings on Homicide Rates:
Homicides were identified as the third leading cause of death for Americans aged 10 to 24 in 2021. While homicides declined from 2006 to 2014, they rose by 60% from 2014 to 2021. The most significant annual increase in the homicide rate occurred between 2019 and 2020.
Young adults aged 20 to 24 saw a 34% increase in the homicide rate from 2019 to 2020, rising from 13.4 to 18 deaths per 100,000 people.
For teenagers aged 15 to 19, the homicide rate increased by 91% from 2014 to 2021, from 6.7 to 12.8 deaths per 100,000. This rate also exceeded the suicide rate for the same age group in 2021, which was 10.9 per 100,000.
The homicide rate for those aged 10 to 14 doubled from 2016 to 2020, from 0.7 to 1.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
Vital Importance of Access to Mental Health Services
Ensuring access to mental health care is crucial for young Americans. Unfortunately, many emergency rooms and hospitals lack the necessary resources to support individuals experiencing mental distress. This highlights the significance of organizations like Fountain House, a national mental health nonprofit that offers assistance and support to those dealing with mental illness.
Fountain House CEO Ken Zimmerman emphasized the pandemic’s impact on loneliness and isolation, contributing to the deterioration of support systems. He believes that community involvement can be a therapeutic intervention.
If someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reachable via call, text, or chat. For further mental health resources and support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine operates Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
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