More than 720,000 people commit su!c!de every year, and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation has said
Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, is calling for “shifting the narrative” on the issue to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster compassionate conversations.”
Speaking on World Su!c!de Prevention Day, which is marked annually on September 10, Tedros said, “Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.”
All age groups are affected by su!c!de, which was the third leading cause of de.ath among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which data has been gathered by WHO.
Close to three-quarters of global su!c!des occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.
The average number of su!c!des across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.
In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia, the number of su!c!des was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.
The link between su!c!de and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous su!c!de attempt is well established in high-income countries.
However, many su!c!des happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with su!c!dal behaviour.
Su!c!de rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons, and incarcerated prisoners.
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LIFE
Too bad