The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the rates of homicide and suicide among young people in the United States. Recent research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the homicide rate for older teenagers and the suicide rate for those in their early 20s have reached the highest levels in over 20 years. This troubling trend calls for urgent attention and action.
Examining data from 2001-2021, the CDC study highlights a significant 38 percent increase in homicide rates among 15-19 year-olds between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, the rate of homicide deaths for this age group rose to 12.3 per 100,000, a notable jump from the pre-pandemic rate of 8.9 per 100,000 in 2019. The most recent available data from 2021 indicates a continued increase with a rate of 12.8 per 100,000.
A similar concerning trend is observed when looking at suicide rates among 20-24 year-olds. The largest annual increase during the 2001-2021 period occurred in 2021, with a 9 percent rise in suicide rates to 19.4 suicide deaths per 100,000 individuals. While suicide rates steadily increased over the past two decades in this age group, homicide rates remained stable between 2014 and 2020, only to rise again in 2021.
The CDC research emphasizes that in 2021, suicide and homicide were the second and third leading causes of death respectively for individuals aged 10-24. Among the specific age groups of 10-14, 15-19, and 20-24, these two tragic outcomes were among the top four leading causes of death. Notably, the suicide rates for those aged 10-14 and 20-24 surpassed the homicide rates in 2021, indicating the severity of the mental health crisis brought about by the pandemic.
Over the 20-year period from 2001 to 2021, the United States witnessed a significant 36 percent increase in suicide rates. In 2021 alone, there were over 48,000 suicide deaths across all age groups in the country, as reported by the CDC. These alarming statistics demand immediate attention and comprehensive strategies to address the mental health and well-being of young people.
© 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
