Global Perspectives on Suicide: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention Approaches

Abstract

Suicide is a preventable cause of early death and a significant global public health issue. Every year, about 720,000 people commit suicide, with low- and middle-income nations accounting for over 73% of these deaths. All ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic categories are affected by suicide, yet the prevalence and traits of suicidal behavior differ significantly between nations and societies. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, there were over 746,000 suicide deaths globally in 2021, with males experiencing significantly higher age-standardized mortality than females. Rather than having a single cause, suicide is impacted by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Vulnerability may be increased by mental problems, past suicide attempts, substance abuse, chronic illness, interpersonal challenges, social isolation, and financial hardship, exposure to violence, discrimination, and access to deadly weapons.