(The Center Square) – Suicides reached a record high last year. 

Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2022, according to a provisional report from the National Center for Health Statistics. The final count could be higher. 

"The 2022 final number of suicides is likely to be higher as additional death certificates with pending causes of death may be determined to be suicides," according to the report. 

The provisional number of suicides in 2022 was 49,449, 3 percent higher than the 48,183 suicides reported in 2021.

Suicide rates generally declined for males ages 34 and younger and increased for those 35 and older. For females, rates declined for those ages 24 and younger and increased for those 25 and older. Rates increased for nearly all race and Hispanic-origin groups, although only the 3 percent increase for White non-Hispanic females was statistically significant.

Suicides have been steadily increasing during the 21st century. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a call to action on a national strategy for suicide prevention. 

If you live in the U.S. and are in immediate crisis or having suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org/chat/ to chat with someone 24/7. Outside the U.S., you can visit findahelpline.com to find support.