Suicide rates are highest among the elderly (70 years or above) for both genders in almost all regions of the world.
More than 700,000 people kill themselves every year, that is one person commits suicide every 40 seconds, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Suicide is the 17th leading cause of deaths worldwide in 2019 and 77 per cent of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Sadly, the suicide death graph continues its upwards trend. The overall global death toll from suicide has increased by nearly 20,000 in the last 30 years, revealed researchers from the University of Hong Kong who conducted an analysis of international data.
Rates of suicide are highest among people aged above 70 in almost all regions of the world, according to analysis published online in the journal Injury Prevention.
The researchers collected data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 that provided population estimates for 204 countries and territories for 1950-2019 by location, age, and sex. The overall number of suicide deaths rose to 758, 696 in 2019 from 738,799 in 1990, an increase of 19,897. The rise was sharpest in lower middle-income countries where the death toll rose by 72,550 (from 232,340 to 304,890) in the last 30 years.
Population growth and ageing population are identified as the main contributors to this increase in global suicide deaths. Noting that suicide rates are highest among the elderly for both genders in almost all regions of the world, the authors warned that the rapidly ageing population globally will pose huge challenges for the reduction in the number of suicide deaths in the future.
Covid-19 pandemictriggering risks factors for suicide
The World Health Organization (WHO) had already cautioned that the Covid-19 pandemic is leading to increase in risk factors for suicide such as job loss, financial stress and social isolation, loneliness, poverty and loss of in-dependence. Hence, focus on suicide prevention is even more important now, said the UN health agency.
Several studies have indicated increase in loneliness and mental health problems following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some experts have even warned that mental health problems will be the next pandemic.
In November 2020, the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs published a study that reported an “alarming” increase in loneliness and depressive symptoms among young adults aged between 18 to 35 years since the arrival of COVID-19. Depression and loneliness often go hand in hand, and it is estimated that depression plays a role in more than half of all suicide attempts.
A survey by smart-tech-enabled preventive healthcare platform GOQii also revealed that 43 per cent of Indians are dealing with depression triggered by COVID-19 pandemic.
Bengaluru-based Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF)’s study ‘Covid-19 Blues’, also revealed that an increasing number of people, particularly youth, are showing suicidal tendencies post the Covid-19 outbreak.
A large study including 20 scientists from 14 countries highlighted that people have become 40 per cent less active due to the pandemic-related restrictions, which has tripled the potential risk for depression.
Nepal sees 14% increase in suicide cases in the last one year
According to the latest data released by the Nepal police, the country recorded a total of 7,141 suicides in the 2020-21 fiscal year that ended in mid-July, which is 14.2 per cent higher than the previous fiscal year. More men committed suicide than women during the pandemic. Of these total deaths, 3,928 were men, 2,449 were females and the rest were children, the police said.
Most suicides (almost 90 per cent) were associated with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which have increased amid the pandemic due to social isolation, Saroj Prasad Ojha, head of the Psychiatry Department at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, told a news agency on Wednesday.
People are facing mental health problems related to psycho-socio factors like unemployment, prolonged academic schedules, family disputes, financial problems, alcohol abuse and substance abuse which have contributed to most suicides, said Ojha.
Steps that can be taken to prevent suicide
Suicide is a public health issue, but unfortunately our society sees suicide from a criminal perspective which makes it difficult for people to talk about suicide and mental health. As a result, most of the suicide attempts go unreported, noted Jagannath Lamichhane, a mental health advocate.
According to him, more than 50 per cent of mental health problems start before adolescence which makes the youth vulnerable. Talking to Xinhua news agency, he suggested that mental health advocacy should start from the grass-root level which can be done by introducing the subject of suicide prevention and mental wellbeing in school education.
The WHO has released a series of guidance, under the name ‘LIVE LIFE’, to improve suicide prevention. Media can also play a huge role in reducing suicide cases by avoiding reports of suicide that described the methods used or focused on celebrities as these could increase risks of “copycat suicides”, the global health agency stated.
What people can do when they have suicidal thoughts
When you feel very low or have suicidal feelings, get immediate help. Call a mental health specialist, or a suicide hotline number or reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Take professional help and support to identify strategies to overcome those negative emotions.
If you often experience suicidal thoughts, it is advisable to remove objects that you may use to hurt yourself such as pills, knives, guns, razors, and firearms.
When you’re depressed, you may not want to leave the house and socialising may be the last thing you may want to do. But it is important to reach out to friends, family and people who care for you in this emotional state.
Go out and get some fresh air. A walk in a garden may help relax and keep those negative thoughts away.
Start some physical activities, do yoga or some home-based workouts. Develop a new hobby or learn something new – a new language, or musical instrument.
Get a pet. Studies have shown the effectiveness of pets as a treatment for depression. Having a dog or a cat can help to ease loneliness, relieve stress, anxiety, and boost your mood.
Cry out or write down your thoughts to let go of your emotions and free yourself.
Remember, suicides are preventable with timely interventions. If you know someone who you think is suicidal, listen to them or take him/her to a good counsellor or psychologist.
SOURCE: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/global-suicide-deaths-up-by-nearly-20k-covid-19-pandemic-exacerbates-risk-factors-832738/
