Suicide rates have been a significant concern worldwide, with about 740,000 deaths reported annually, equating to one death every 43 seconds. A recent comprehensive analysis published in The Lancet Public Health by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine in Seattle sheds light on the trends and patterns of suicide over the past three decades.
The analysis highlighted a positive trend in the decline of global suicide rates by nearly 40% from 1990 to 2021, indicating successful intervention and prevention efforts. The rate for females decreased by over 50%, while it decreased by almost 34% for males. East Asia saw the most significant decline at 66%, with China leading the progress in the region.
However, not all regions experienced a decline in suicide rates. Central Latin America, Andean Latin America, Tropical Latin America, and high-income North America reported increases in suicide rates for both sexes combined during the same period. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to address mental health stigma and improve access to support systems, especially for individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
The study also revealed disparities between males and females regarding suicide. While males were more than twice as likely to die from suicide than females, females were 49% more likely to attempt it. The incidence of suicide attempts requiring medical care was three times higher for females compared to males, emphasizing the need for gender-specific prevention strategies.
Firearm-related suicides were also examined, with males being more than three times as likely to die by suicide using guns compared to females. The United States had the highest firearm-related suicides globally, underscoring the need for measures to restrict access to lethal means.
Overall, the study aims to inform policymakers and healthcare professionals on effective suicide prevention strategies tailored to specific populations and locations. By raising awareness, providing intervention, and fostering support systems, communities can work together to reduce the burden of suicide and promote mental well-being.
For more information, refer to the original publication in The Lancet Public Health (DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00006-4) by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
