The US witnessed an alarming surge in suicides last year, with about 49,500 people taking their own lives. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the highest number ever recorded. While the suicide rate has yet to be calculated, data suggests that suicides are now more common than at any time since World War II. Experts attribute this rise to various factors, including higher rates of depression and limited access to mental health services. One significant driver is the increased availability of guns, which is the most popular suicide method. The growing gun sales in the US have contributed to a spike in gun-related suicides, particularly among older adults and teenagers. The largest increases were seen in older adults, where deaths rose nearly 7% among 45 to 64 year olds, and over 8% in people over 65. White men, in particular, have very high suicide rates, according to the CDC.