Him suicide has become a major public health problem in the world. Despite the various existing campaigns, the trend continues to rise. Furthermore, it is a situation that affects both underdeveloped countries and the most advanced nations on the planet.
To better understand the current landscape, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are 703,000 cases globally every year. Even if behind each one there are other people who try it without consuming it and remain serious consequences.
Although he suicide in the world It was already a big problem, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the trend to increase. The direct relationship with the depression It’s one of the reasons.
Another point to consider is that this deadly decision can happen at any age. According to international authorities, during 2019 it was the fourth cause of death in the age group between 15 and 29 years.
Which countries have the highest number of suicide cases in the world?
According to statistics from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) adopted by Statesman the country with the highest rate is South Korea. In the case of men, there are 34 cases per 100,000 people. And when it comes to women the figure is close to 15.
Something that stands out is that slightly below are Lithuania, Hungary and Estonia. They are all countries located in the same region of Europe and their numbers are well above the OECD average.
Now, in the case of the United States, there is an average of 23 male cases per 100,000 people. While in women the figure is close to six.
While there are significant differences between countries, a pattern is clear. The rate of men taking their own lives is higher than that of women.
What are the symptoms of suicidal people?
- Talking about suicide, for example, with statements such as “I will kill myself”, “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I had not been born”.
- Obtaining the means to take one’s own life, for example by purchasing a gun or hoarding pills
- Isolating yourself from society and wanting to be alone
- Having mood swings, such as euphoria one day and deep discomfort the next
- Worrying about death, dying, or violence
- Feeling trapped or hopeless because of a situation
- Increase consumption of drugs or alcoholic beverages
- Change your normal routine, including eating and sleeping patterns
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive activities, such as drug use or reckless driving
- Giving away personal items or tidying up personal affairs when there is no other logical explanation for doing so
- Saying goodbye to people as if you’ll never see them again
- Having personality changes or feeling extremely anxious or agitated, especially when some of the warning signs mentioned above occur
Suicide in healthcare workers
To date, medicine is the profession with the highest rate of suicide cases in the world. To give you an idea of the scope of the problem, in the United States alone there is one completed case per day. And those who try but do not complete the act should also be considered.
What are the medical specialties with the highest number of suicide cases?
- Anesthesiology.
- Surgery.
- Emergencies.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Lin, Mental Health Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lin! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issue of suicide as a public health problem.
Dr. Sarah Lin: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic and I’m glad to be here.
Editor: The World Health Organization reports that approximately 703,000 people take their own lives each year. This is a staggering number. What do you think are the contributing factors to this global crisis?
Dr. Lin: Yes, it is indeed alarming. Various factors contribute to the rising trend of suicide, including economic hardship, social isolation, and mental health issues such as depression. Particularly regarding the pandemic, many have experienced increased anxiety and depression due to factors like job loss and loss of social connections, exacerbating feelings of hopelessness.
Editor: It’s interesting that you mention depression as a key factor. Are there other mental health conditions that correlate with higher suicide rates?
Dr. Lin: Absolutely. Conditions such as anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorders, and even certain personality disorders can increase the risk. Additionally, we’ve seen tragic consequences across all age groups; particularly concerning is that in 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29.
Editor: You mentioned different age groups. Are there particular demographics that are more at risk than others?
Dr. Lin: Yes, data shows that men are at a significantly higher risk, with rates of suicide much higher than women across many countries. South Korea, for example, has alarming statistics, with 34 male cases per 100,000 people. This pattern persists in other nations like Lithuania and Hungary as well.
Editor: That highlights a profound disparity. What might explain the higher rates among men?
Dr. Lin: Several factors could be at play here. Social and cultural expectations often place undue pressure on men to be providers or to suppress emotions. This can lead to untreated mental health issues. Moreover, men often tend to use more lethal means when attempting suicide, which can contribute to the higher rates.
Editor: Given these statistics, there’s a clear necessity for preventive measures. Can you share what symptoms or behaviors might indicate someone is at risk?
Dr. Lin: Certainly. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawing from social interactions, increased substance use, and searching for means to end one’s life. It’s vital for friends and family to recognize these signs and encourage those at risk to seek help.
Editor: That’s very informative. With the breadth of this issue, what effective strategies do you believe communities can employ to address the rising rates of suicide?
Dr. Lin: Communities can foster supportive environments through education and awareness campaigns, highlighting the importance of mental health. Provide accessible resources for those in crisis, such as hotlines and counseling services. Promoting conversations about mental health can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lin, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s evident that we need to act collectively at all levels—individual, community, and government.
Dr. Lin: Thank you for bringing attention to this vital subject. Together, we can make a difference.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Let’s continue to have these important conversations and advocate for mental health resources in our communities.