WARNING: This contains references to suicide.
European psychologists say an increase in suicide prevention methods may have played a role in the decline in suicide-related mortality in European countries over the past decade.
this Review of national statistics A study of suicide rates in 38 European countries by the European Psychiatric Association concluded that suicide rates had declined by 20% over the past decade. In 2011, Europe reported 20 suicide-related deaths per 100,000, but by 2019 this number had fallen to 16 per 100,000. .
Twenty-two countries showed unchanged rates, while 15 showed significant changes, especially Lithuania, which showed significantly higher rates since the late 1990s.according to world health organization (WHO), Lithuania reported a suicide rate of 31.8 per 100,000 population in 2011, which declined to 20.2 in 2019.
Of course, since 2020, major global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have likely contributed to changes in these rates, but researchers say the results are encouraging. increase.
“Psychiatric disorders are associated with an overwhelming proportion of these cases,” researcher Anna Guimienez said in a news release. and action plans have been implemented in many European countries, and we believe these may have influenced suicidal tendencies.”
Some of the initiatives include WHO preventive control plan Introduce early detection, evaluation and management of people with suicidal behavior and reduce access to means of suicide such as firearms and certain drugs. But all methods are not one-size-fits-all, WHO says, and effective measures need to intersect all aspects of society, including education, work and politics, where suicide impacts. We need to help as many different people as possible.
“This European study is of great interest, showing that in a relatively significant number of countries with great heterogeneity, it is possible to actually reduce annual suicide deaths. shows,” said former president of the European Psychiatric Association, Philip Gorwood of a news release.
According to Eurostat, 1.1% of reported deaths in the EU are related to suicide, of which 77% involve men and 31% of suicides are reported among people aged between 45 and 60. I’m here.
If you or someone you know is in danger, the following resources are available.
Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-833-456-4566)
Addiction and Mental Health Center (1 800 463-2338)
Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
If you need immediate help, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
