Suicide

Warning! The entries in the Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti Glossary are developed by our interdisciplinary research team and do not in any way replace specialist medical intervention. If you believe that you or someone close to you may need the help of a mental healthWhat is meant by mental health? According to the World Healt... More professional, do not hesitate to contact local centers and specialists. Never be afraid to ask for help!

Suicide is a sensitive topic and represents a complex phenomenon that has attracted the attention of philosophers, psychologists, physicians, and sociologists over the centuries. It is a serious public health problem that requires our attention, even though preventing and managing it is far from simple. This topic is one of the most extensively explored in the sociology of deviance, representing a dramatic event whose explanation is complicated, as it involves a complex interaction between psychological, biological, genetic, social, and environmental factors.

To better understand the global scale of the phenomenon, let us look at the data provided by SUPRE, a WHO body dedicated to suicide prevention: “About 20 million people attempt suicide (per year). In 2000, approximately one million people died by suicide: the global mortality rate is estimated at 16 per 100,000, with one death approximately every 40 seconds. Over the past 45 years, the suicide rate has increased by 65% worldwide. Today, suicide is considered one of the three leading causes of death among individuals aged between 15 and 44, in both sexes. Not including attempted suicides, which are up to 20 times more frequent.” According to 2024 WHO data, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29, and 726,000 people die by suicide each year.

Suicide prevention is possible through awareness-raising
, access to quality mental health services, social support, and ongoing research. By gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and working together, we can reduce the number of people who die by suicide through more effective prevention efforts.

Definition and characteristics of suicide

Suicide can be defined as “the deliberate act of ending one’s own life”. It is important to note that suicide is not simply an impulsive act, but is often the result of a complex process of mental, social, and emotional suffering. Suicide is a social and public health issue of global concern. This extreme behavior has devastating effects on the lives of people directly or indirectly affected and requires a scientific and comprehensive approach to prevent it and address it appropriately. Although global figures indicate that suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it should be emphasized that suicide is preventable, and its scientific understanding is essential for prevention.

What are the risk factors for suicide?

Understanding risk factors is essential for suicide prevention. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Mental health problems. DepressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More, bipolar disorder, anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More, and other mental disorders are often associated with an increased risk of suicide.
• Social problems. Social isolation, unemployment, discrimination, and bullyingAlthough there is no universally agreed-upon definition of b... More can increase the risk of suicide.
• Family history. Individuals who have had family members or friends who attempted or died by suicide may be at a higher risk.
• Substance abuse. Excessive use of alcohol or drugs can negatively affect judgment and increase the risk of suicide.

Is youth distress a risk factor for suicide?

Yes, youth distress represents a significant risk factor for suicide, raising concerns among parents, educators, and mental health professionals. This distress can manifest in various forms, including anxiety, depression, social isolation, substance abuse, and low self-esteemThe term self-esteem literally refers to the evaluation of o... More. Adolescents face a critical transitional phase in which they must cope with many emotional, social, and psychological challenges. Pressure to conform to social expectations, comparison with peers, and difficulties related to personal identity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair. In addition, access to digital and social media can expose young people to cyberbullyingCyberbullying is the enactment via the internet of behaviors... More and constant comparison with an idealized reality, further contributing to their distress.

It is essential to recognize the signs of youth distress in a timely manner and provide appropriate support. Early interventions, attentive listening, and access to mental health services can help mitigate the risk of suicide among young people. Furthermore, promoting awareness and understanding of youth distress in society can help reduce the stigmaStigma towards mental health can be defined as prejudice and... More associated with seeking help and encourage young people to talk about their feelings. Suicide prevention among young people requires a collective commitment to creating a supportive and understanding environment in which young people can feel accepted, valued, and heard.

What are the possible prevention processes?

Suicide prevention requires a multidimensional approach involving various sectors of society, including healthcare, education, and the community. Some key strategies include:
– Awareness-raising: creating awareness of warning signs and ways to obtain help is essential. Promoting awareness campaigns can help remove the taboo surrounding suicide.

• Mental health care: ensuring access to high-quality mental health services is essential for those struggling with emotional difficulties.
• Social support: providing a social support system, including friends and family, can help people feel less isolated and more inclined to seek help.
• Research-based interventions: scientific studies on risk factors and effective prevention methods are essential for developing successful interventions.

The crucial role of communication in suicide prevention

Communication plays a fundamental role in suicide prevention, as it can influence perceptions of suicide, awareness of warning signs, and access to support resources. Communication in this area can be broken down into several key components:

• Awareness and destigmatization: effective communication is the first step in overcoming the social stigma associated with suicide and related mental illnesses. This involves creating an environment in which people feel comfortable discussing their mental health issues without fear of judgment. Media awareness campaigns, advertising, and educational initiatives can help reduce the taboo surrounding suicide and access to mental health care.
• Recognition of warning signs: another key aspect of communication is educating the public about suicide warning signs, such as changes in behavior, mood, or social relationships. Communication efforts should teach people how to identify these signs and how to respond appropriately.
• Promotion of access to resources: communication must also inform the public about available resources for those experiencing distress, including crisis hotlines, online chat services, therapists, support groups, and mental health centers. It is essential that people know where to find help when they need it.
• Responsible media messaging: the media play a significant role in how suicide is portrayed. Journalists and media professionals must avoid sensationalizing suicide or providing graphic details. Instead, they should follow ethical guidelines and report responsibly, avoiding glorification of suicidal behavior. This helps prevent the so-called “Werther effect,” whereby sensational portrayals of suicide can inspire imitation.
• Stories of hope and recovery: communication should also promote stories of hope and recovery. Sharing the experiences of people who have overcome crises and found support can be highly motivating and help reduce feelings of isolation.
• Community engagement: communication extends beyond mass media to include community involvement. Local organizations, schools, and volunteer groups play a crucial role in educating communities about suicide-related issues and providing support to people in need.