More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus called for “shifting the narrative” on the issue “to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and foster compassionate conversations.”
Speaking on the World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked annually, Tedros said “each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues and entire communities.”
All age groups are affected by suicide and remain the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, according to data gathered by WHO.
Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries and impacts all regions of the world.
Close to three quarters of global suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries in 2021.
The average number of suicides across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.
In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.
The link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries.
However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.
Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons and incarcerated prisoners.
“We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support,” Tedros said.
“We must create environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help,” he stressed.
Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, early identification, assessment, management and following up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours are other effective measures, according to WHO (NAN)