© Adobe Stock/Jamrooferpix Suicide is often preceded by depression and alcohol addiction. Many take a rash step impulsively, in moments of crisis. 720 thousand deaths annually: why suicide prevention is a global challenge Healthcare
Every year, 727 thousand people in the world commit suicide. Among people aged 15 to 29, suicide was the third leading cause of death in 2021. To draw attention to this global problem, WHO established World Suicide Prevention Day. It is celebrated on September 10.
Every suicide is a tragedy that affects the lives of entire families and communities. Suicides occur in all regions of the planet. However, as of 2021, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of all cases occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Risk factors vary: in high-income countries, they are more likely to be associated with depression, alcohol dependence and past suicide attempts. At the same time, many take a rash step impulsively in moments of crisis, unable to cope with financial difficulties, a breakup, illness, or in situations of conflict or disaster.
Those at higher risk include vulnerable groups facing discrimination, such as refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, LGBTI communities, and prisoners.
To protect the population and prevent suicide, WHO recommends limiting access to means of suicide (pesticides, firearms, some medications), responsible media coverage, teaching adolescents emotional and social skills, and as well as timely identification of people with suicidal tendencies and providing them with the necessary support.
Implementation of these steps requires coordination between the spheres of health, education, labor and agriculture, business, the justice system, political structures and the media, as well as regular monitoring of the situation and funding.
Stigmatization and taboos remain serious barriers, because of which people do not seek help. To date, only a small number of countries have made suicide prevention a priority, and only 38 have created a national strategy in this area. In addition, there remains a lack of quality data: only 80 WHO countries have reliable demographic registration.
Reducing suicide rates is recognized as an international priority and included in the UN sustainable development agenda as well as WHO programs. The basic documents in this area remain the 2014 WHO report on suicide prevention and the 2021 practical guidance.