Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, 87.5 people per 100,000 of the population take their own life every year in Lesotho, making the country's suicide rate the highest in the world?

According to Wikipedia, suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study indicate that there were over 750,000 deaths by suicide worldwide in 2019, and the World Health Organization (WHO) says suicide was the fourth-leading cause of death among young people ages 15 through 29. In at least 17 countries, suicide reportedly was the leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 34 years old.

The most recent estimates available from the World Health Organization show that the countries with the highest rates of suicide deaths in 2019 were low- and middle-income countries. Six of the 10 countries with the highest rates are located in Africa, including Lesotho, which had the highest reported suicide rate in 2019.

Listed are the suicide rates, per 100K population, according to the WHO, 2019:

1] Lesotho 87.5%
2] Guyana 40.9%
3] Eswatini 40.5%
4] Kiribati 30.6%
5] Micronesia 29.0%
6] Suriname 25.9%
7] Zimbabwe 23.6%
8] South Africa 23.5%
9] Mozambique 23.2%
10] Central African Republic 23.0%

Lesotho, by contrast, is more than double the next country on the list, Guyana in South America, where the figure is just over 40. Lesotho is also almost 10 times the global average, which stands at nine suicides per 100,000 people. However, in many countries, suicide rates are underreported due to social stigma, cultural or legal concerns. Thus, these figures cannot be used to compare real suicide rates, which are unknown in most countries.

As of 2016, there was an estimated global suicide rate of 10.5 per 100,000 population down from 11.6 in 2008. In high-income modernized countries, male and female rates of suicidal behaviors differ much compared to those in the rest of the world: while women are reportedly more prone to suicidal thoughts, rates of suicide are higher among men, which has been described as a "silent epidemic".

A study in 2019 found that between 1990 and 2016 global age-standardized suicide rates fell by a third; the rates in 2016 were about 16 deaths per 100,000 men and 7 deaths per 100,000 women. Women experienced a greater decrease compared with men over the study period.

Countries with the highest suicide rates often face severe economic challenges, limited access to mental health care, and social stigma around mental health issues. For instance, countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia historically report high suicide rates. Notable examples include Lithuania, Russia, and South Korea. These regions may experience high levels of stress, alcohol abuse, and historical factors contributing to elevated suicide rates.

Conversely, some countries with the lowest suicide rates may have strong social support systems, accessible mental health care, and cultural factors that discourage suicide. Examples include countries in the Mediterranean region, some Caribbean nations, and select Middle Eastern countries. Nations like Greece, and Kuwait report some of the lowest suicide rates globally. However, some countries with little or no access to mental health care also have very low suicide rates.

Socio-economic conditions play a crucial role in influencing suicide rates. Countries experiencing economic instability, high unemployment rates, or significant income inequality often see higher rates of suicide. Economic distress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, which are significant risk factors for suicide. Conversely, countries with strong social safety nets and lower levels of economic disparity tend to have lower suicide rates.

Risk factors include mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cognitive disengagement syndrome), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and substance abuse (including alcoholism and the use of and withdrawal from benzodiazepines).

Cultural attitudes towards mental health and suicide also greatly impact suicide rates. In some cultures, mental health issues are stigmatized, discouraging individuals from seeking help. Secondly, the availability and quality of mental health services are critical in preventing suicides. Countries with comprehensive mental health care systems that provide accessible and affordable treatment options generally have lower suicide rates. Thirdly, societal pressures, including work stress, academic pressures, social isolation, and family expectations, can contribute to the incidence of suicide. In highly competitive societies, the pressure to succeed can lead to significant mental health challenges, increasing the risk of suicide. Social isolation and lack of supportive relationships further exacerbate this risk. Societal attitudes towards gender roles, sexuality, and other identity factors also influence suicide rates, particularly among marginalized groups.

Efforts to reduce suicide rates include improving mental health services, implementing public health campaigns to reduce stigma, and creating supportive environments for individuals in distress. Countries with comprehensive mental health strategies, such as Norway and New Zealand, have seen success in reducing suicide rates through these measures.

SOURCES: US News | Wikipedia | BBC | Image: Deccan Herald

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