Ending not life but suffering

They do exist, effective suicide prevention measures. Because it is by no means the case that those affected want to die. You want to put an end to the unbearable psychological pain. The National Suicide Prevention Action Plan takes an in-depth look at facts and figures, as well as opportunities and prospects.

The goal of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan is to reduce the suicide rate by 25% by 2023. One trend can already be seen. However, this decline is not the same for all subgroups: For example, the number of suicides per 100,000 inhabitants has decreased more significantly since 2013 than the number per 100,000 female inhabitants. Suicides, however, are only the tip of suicidal experience and behavior. Other important indicators for planning and evaluating interventions are suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Did you know that half a million people in Switzerland are living with suicidal thoughts? This came to light during a health survey. In 2017, 7.8% of respondents reported having had suicidal thoughts at least once during the two weeks prior to the survey. In addition, the estimates reveal that a total of 33,000 people attempted suicide in 2017 – meaning that there were 32 suicide attempts for every suicide.

In addition, using information coded in the Medical Statistics of Hospitals (MSK) based on diagnoses, treatment procedures, and other information, it was surveyed that hospitalizations due to suspected suicide attempts increased by 25% – especially among young people. Among 0- to 18-year-olds, hospitalized suspected suicide attempts increased by 55%, and among females in this age group by as much as 67%. Therefore, suicide prevention is essential. However, knowledge of effective prevention measures is obviously still not widespread enough. Because suicide prevention is a task for society as a whole and everyone can contribute to suicide prevention in their professional and private environment, it is important to strengthen this knowledge. It has been proven, for example, that measures that address the structural framework are effective. Such as securing bridges, as was done in Bern. There are other numerous starting points, such as training, monitoring measures or awareness-raising in schools.

It must not be forgotten that the subject of suicide is connected with everyone’s personal confrontation with their own death. It challenges moral values and resulting judgments. There are also many misconceptions circulating in the population about suicide. Suicide is not an inevitable fate.

Sources:

InFo NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATRY 2023; 21(1): 40.