9 September 2023
Each year, more than 700,000 people end their own life—each death a tragedy, with far-reaching impact on families, friends and communities. It is estimated that for each suicide, 20 people make a suicide attempt.
Concerns around mental health and suicide were amplified in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue in the post-pandemic era, particularly amid economic uncertainty caused by high inflation and in situations of armed conflict. In many countries for which we have solid data (mostly high-income countries), suicide rates remained relatively stable or were lower than expected during the early months of the pandemic, although there were exceptions. For example, in India and Japan, suicide rates increased, particularly among women and young people. However, high-quality data from low-income and lower middle-income countries remains scarce. This is a significant gap given that the majority of suicides globally (77 per cent) occur in those countries, which may not have the resources and infrastructure to provide sufficient mental health services, financial safety nets or social support.
Young people are particularly vulnerable. In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among young people from 15 to 29 years of age. According to the 2022 , issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), young people and women have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s social and economic fallout. For young people, the disruption of routines and social connections due to extended school and university closures meant missing out on learning, socialization and experiences necessary for healthy development. Disruption and isolation can increase feelings of anxiety and loneliness, which are known risk factors for suicide. In addition, being forced to stay at home is likely to have increased the risk of exposure to family stress or abuse, which are also well-documented risk factors for mental health problems and suicide. As the longer-term economic, social, and mental health impacts of the pandemic unfold, we must continue to be vigilant by monitoring suicide rates and responding accordingly.
How can suicide rates be reduced?
Much can be done to prevent suicide at the individual, community and national levels. In line with the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, we all have a role to play in “creating hope through action” to prevent suicide. As a starting point, WHO recommends, in its for suicide prevention, the implementation of four key evidence-based interventions: 1) limiting access to means of suicide, such as firearms and highly hazardous pesticides; 2) educating the media regarding responsible reporting on suicide; 3) fostering adolescent social-emotional skills; and 4) early identification, assessment, management and follow-up of people affected by suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among young people from 15 to 29 years of age.
WHO is actively supporting countries in the development of comprehensive . While national leadership and coordination is crucial for a multisectoral public health approach to suicide prevention, communities can complement these efforts by considering their local community needs, priorities and circumstances. Differences in the suicide rates within countries, for example, by geographical region or demographic sub-populations, suggest that top-down suicide prevention must go hand in hand with local bottom-up processes. WHO has produced a for engaging communities in suicide prevention. The toolkit is aimed at assisting in identifying and implementing suicide prevention priorities and directing appropriate community activities towards the whole community, specific groups and/or individuals.
At the individual level, as friends, partners, parents, colleagues, employers and neighbours, we can all reach out to someone who is struggling. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not “plant the seed” or encourage them to act on their feelings. Instead, it often reduces anxiety and helps people feel understood. It is important to listen with an open mind and offer your support. Encourage them to seek help from a health-care professional, counsellor or social worker, and offer to accompany them to an appointment.
We cannot—and must not—ignore suicide. By raising awareness and implementing well-informed interventions, individuals, communities and countries can create hope through action, reducing suicide and suicide attempts around the world.
If you, or someone you know needs support, reach out for help. You are not alone. Help is available.
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