Researchers point out that suicide definitions can vary from country to country, which can distort statistics.
In Europe, responsible media coverage as well as efforts to strengthen the social and emotional skills of young people contributed to this drop, according to researchers. They also cite the improvement of access to psychiatric and psychosocial care, the decrease in stigma linked to mental disorders and prevention programs as important factors.
In 1990, high -income countries displayed a relatively high suicide rate, or 12.68 per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2021, this rate fell to 8.61. In low and medium -income countries, it went from 7.88 to 5.73 during the same period.
The suicide prevention center calls for help: “It is literally of the survival of citizens in distress”
However, the study notes that in some countries, there is probably an under-declaration due to stigma, religious prohibitions or the criminalization of suicide. An increase in figures has also been observed in developing countries with rapid urbanization.
By 2050, researchers predict that the world rate of suicide could drop to around 6.49 per 100,000 people. However, they warn that the risks remain high for certain population groups and certain countries.
Anyone with suicidal ideas can contact the listening line of the suicide prevention center on 0800/32.123 (this is anonymous, free and available 24 hours a day).
