According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a global phenomenon that affects individuals of all nations, cultures, religions, genders, and classes
- As of 2016, there was an estimated global suicide rate of 10.5 per 100,000 population, down from 11.6 in 2008.
- However, it is important to note that deaths due to self-harm are often underreported in many countries due to social stigma, and cultural and legal concerns, and are often misclassified in reported data, especially as deaths due to “events of undetermined intent”, accidents, homicides, or unknown causes
- WHO recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem, and over 77% of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2019
- The suicide rate varies widely across countries, with some countries having much higher rates than others. According to the World Population Review, the countries with the highest suicide rates are Lesotho, Guyana, Eswatini, South Korea, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia
- WHO estimates that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries
- Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds, and reducing suicide rates in countries is an indicator in the UN SDGs, the WHO GPW13 and Mental Health Action Plan
- To prevent suicides, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed, and knowledge of the most commonly used suicide methods is important to devise prevention strategies that have shown to be effective, such as restriction of access to means of suicide
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How does suicide impact different age groups and genders around the world?
Suicide impacts different age groups and genders around the world in various ways. Here are some key points from the search results:
- Globally, the age-standardized suicide rate was 1.8 times higher in males than in females
- In the Western world, males die by suicide three to four times more often than females
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds
- Women are reportedly more prone to suicidal thoughts, but rates of suicide are higher among men
- Suicide accounts for over 58,000 deaths in Europe per annum, where suicide attempts are estimated to be 20 times higher. Males have been found to have a disproportionately lower rate of suicide attempts and an excessively higher rate of suicides compared to females
These findings suggest that males are more likely to die by suicide than females, and that suicide rates are higher among younger age groups. However, women may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. It is also important to note that suicide attempts are more common than completed suicides, and that males may be less likely to attempt suicide but more likely to die by suicide when they do attempt it.
How do suicide rates vary by age group and gender in specific countries?
Here are some examples of how suicide rates vary by age group and gender in specific countries based on the search results:
- In the Western world, males die by suicide three to four times more often than females, and this greater male frequency is increased in those over the age of 65
- In Suriname, the male-to-female ratio of suicide is 3.3:1, while the global ratio is 1.7:1
- In South Korea, the overall suicide rate is the highest of any country worldwide, with a rate of 28.6 per 100,000 population
- In Lesotho, the country with the highest suicide rate, the rate is 72.4 per 100,000 population
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally
These examples suggest that suicide rates can vary widely by country, with some countries having much higher rates than others. In many countries, males are more likely to die by suicide than females, and suicide rates may be higher among older age groups. However, suicide rates can also be high among younger age groups, as it is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally.
There are several cultural or societal factors that contribute to higher suicide rates in certain age groups and genders in specific countries. Here are some of the factors mentioned in the search results:
- Countries with low suicide rates tend to be predominantly Catholic or Muslim, are typically relatively youthful, have strong social control networks, more extended family ties, and explicit proscription of suicide
- In some cultures, suicides are not stigmatized under particular circumstances such as loss in battle, acute and mortal infirmity, and sacrifice for the physical and/or economic survival of the group
- In the Western world, males die by suicide three to four times more often than females, and this greater male frequency is increased in those over the age of 65
- In Suriname, the male-to-female ratio of suicide is 3.3:1, while the global ratio is 1.7:1
- In South Korea, the overall suicide rate is the highest of any country worldwide, with a rate of 28.6 per 100,000 population
- Suicide rates in South Korea have been attributed to factors such as high levels of stress, pressure to succeed, social isolation, and stigma surrounding mental health issues
- Suicide rates in Japan have been attributed to factors such as social isolation, economic pressures, and a culture that values conformity and discourages seeking help for mental health issues
- Suicide rates in India have been attributed to factors such as poverty, unemployment, social inequality, and stigma surrounding mental health issues
These factors suggest that suicide rates are influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, societal, and individual factors. Some cultures may have different attitudes towards suicide, and certain age groups and genders may be more vulnerable to suicide due to societal pressures, isolation, and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Understanding these factors is important in developing effective suicide prevention strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of different populations.
Economic factors and unemployment rates can have a significant impact on suicide rates in different countries and age groups. Here are some key findings from the search results:
- Every 1% increase in global unemployment rates is associated with a 1% upsurge in male deaths by suicide
- Unemployment may have differential effects on suicide rates in different regions
- Unemployment was found to be significantly and positively associated with suicide rates in high-income countries, where the social stigma of losing a job can be greater
- Existing studies on determinants of suicide rates mostly focus on the effects of objective economic factors, such as the unemployment rate
- Effects of societal integration, period, region, and culture of suicide on male age-specific suicide rates have been studied in 20 developed countries from 1955-1989
These findings suggest that economic factors and unemployment rates can have a significant impact on suicide rates, particularly among males. The social stigma of losing a job can also contribute to higher suicide rates in high-income countries. However, the effects of unemployment on suicide rates may vary depending on the region and cultural factors. It is important to consider these factors when developing suicide prevention strategies that address the needs of different populations.
Global Suicide Stats
Global suicide rate: 1.3% of all deaths, 703,000 deaths per year. Twice as high for men as women. 58% of deaths under 50 years old.
Teen Stats
- In 2020, there were an estimated 10,514 suicide deaths among adolescents aged 15-19 years old worldwide.
- This means that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide.
- The suicide rate among adolescents is highest in the Eastern Mediterranean (7.4 deaths per 100,000 adolescents) and lowest in the Americas (3.2 deaths per 100,000 adolescents).
- Boys are more likely to die by suicide than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1.
- The highest suicide rates among adolescents are seen in high-income countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- However, suicide rates are also rising in low- and middle-income countries, such as India and China.
It is important to note that these are just statistics, and they do not tell the whole story of suicide among teenagers. Every suicide is a tragedy, and it is important to remember that each individual who dies by suicide is a unique person with their own story.
If you are a teenager who is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/
You are not alone, and there is help available. Please reach out for help if you are struggling.
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