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In the last 45
years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is now
among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 (male
and female). Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than
completed suicides. |
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Although suicide
rates have traditionally been highest amongst elderly males, rates
among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they
are now the group at highest risk in a third of all countries. |
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Mental health
disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are
associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide. |
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However, suicide
results from many complex socio cultural factors and is more likely
to occur during periods of socioeconomic, family and individual
crisis (e.g. loss of a loved one, unemployment, sexual orientation,
difficulties with developing one's identity, disassociation from
one's community or other social/belief group, and honour).
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Global aspects:
Suicide rates, as
reported to the WHO, are highest in Eastern European countries
including Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus and the Russian Federation.
These countries have suicide rates of the order of 45 to 75 per 100
000. Reported
suicide rates are lowest in the countries of Mediterranean Europe
and the predominantly Catholic countries of Latin America (Colombia,
Paraguay) and Asia (such as the Philippines) and in Muslim countries
(such as Pakistan). These countries have suicide rates of less than
6 per 100 000. In the developed countries of North America, Europe
and Australasia suicide rates tend to lie between these two
extremes, ranging from 10-35 per 100 000. |
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In
Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, the highest suicide rates are
reported for both men and women. |
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The Eastern
Mediterranean Region and Central Asia republics have the lowest
suicide rates. |
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Nearly 30% of all
suicides worldwide occur in India and China. |
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Suicides globally
by age are as follows: 55% are aged between 15 to 44 years and 45%
are aged 45 years and over. |
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Youth suicide is
increasing at the greatest rate |
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Overall, suicide
is the eleventh leading cause of death for all US Americans, and is
the third leading cause of death for young people 15-24 years. |
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Males are four
times more likely to die from suicide than are females. However,
females are more likely to attempt suicide than are males. |
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Suicide Prevention |
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Many countries
recognize the need and positive impact of Suicide Prevention Strategies, and are working to ensure they
are in place. In 2004 , National Suicide Prevention Week, sponsored
by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), took place. The
theme was “Working Together to Save Lives.” From this year on,
Suicide Prevention Week takes place in September in order to
synchronize with World Suicide Prevention Day hosted by the
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in
collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). World Suicide Prevention Day is held on September 10 each year and represents a call for action and involvement by all governments
and organizations worldwide to contribute to the cause of suicide
awareness and prevention through activities, events, conferences and
campaigns in each country.
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Strategies
involving restriction of access to common methods of suicide have
proved to be effective in reducing suicide rates. However, there is
a need to adopt multi-sectoral approaches involving other levels of
intervention and activities, such as crisis centers. |
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There is
compelling evidence indicating that adequate prevention and
treatment of depression, alcohol and substance abuse can reduce
suicide rates. |
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School-based
interventions involving crisis management, self-esteem enhancement
and the development of coping skills and healthy decision making
have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of suicide among the
youth.
The International Association for
Suicide Prevention (IASP) www.med.uio.no/iasp/index (link) provides a forum for national
and local organisations, researchers, volunteers, clinicians and
professionals to share knowledge, provide support and to collaborate
in suicide prevention around the world.
Suicide is a complex and
multi-dimensional problem. With teamwork and cooperation, we can
save lives.
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