Suicide prevention efforts are working, new research shows

This piece discusses suicide. In the US, if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 (the Crisis Text Line).  

Around the world, efforts to prevent suicides are working, according to a new study from IHME and colleagues. Among all sexes, deaths per 100,000 people (age-adjusted) have dropped by 40% over three decades, from 15 per 100,000 to 9 per 100,000 in 2021. Still, suicide remains among the top 20 leading causes of death for males and among the top 30 causes for females worldwide. This research shows that policymakers globally can save even more lives by ramping up their efforts to address this preventable cause of death. 

Progress in reducing suicides globally has been even faster for females than males, with age-adjusted rates dropping by 50% among females compared to 34% in males. These improvements are driven by evidence-based interventions by governments and communities. In rural China, for example, highly toxic pesticides were once readily available and could kill people quickly if ingested. Females attempting suicide tended to use these pesticides. Starting in the early 2000s, the government banned these chemicals. They also established rural mental health programs to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention. Age-adjusted suicide rates plummeted among females, declining by 65% between 2000 and 2021. Among males, there were smaller declines of 54% over this period. Also, some South Asian countries, such as Sri Lanka, moved to limit access to powerful agricultural chemicals and saw suicides become less common, particularly among females. 

The United Kingdom (UK) is another country that took measures to drive down suicide rates. For example, the country erected barriers on bridges and in railway stations in urban areas to prevent suicides. Other initiatives included community mental health services and well-being initiatives in the workplace. The UK also developed programs for people who have a higher risk of suicide, such as incarcerated people.

Despite all the progress that countries have made in preventing suicides, there are worrying trends in certain regions. Suicide is becoming more frequent in parts of Latin America—especially Mexico, Ecuador, and Paraguay—as well as North America, primarily the US. In countries in Latin America, socioeconomic risk factors contribute to suicides, such as financial insecurity and income inequality.  

There is much more that countries can do to keep people from ending their lives. Reducing stigma surrounding suicide is essential, as it helps people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide feel safe seeking help. Normalizing discussions about suicide empowers community members to spot warning signs and provide support to individuals who may be contemplating suicide. Addressing social isolation is also important because it helps build a network of individuals who can provide emotional support. There are many other interventions that can lower rates of suicide, ranging from providing crisis hotlines to addressing the root causes of suicide, such as promoting economic stability, addressing domestic violence, improving access to health care for people living with chronic illness, and expanding treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse. The success that countries have had in driving down rates of suicides to date is encouraging and provides a roadmap toward further reducing this preventable cause of death.