09/11/2025
More than 720 000 people die by su***de every year. For each su***de, there are an estimated 20 su***de attempts.
Su***de can occur at any stage of life and in all regions of the world. In 2021, su***de was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, and 73% of all su***des happened in low- and middle-income countries. Almost 20% of global su***des were due to pesticide self-poisoning.
While the link between su***de and mental health conditions (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous su***de attempt is well established in high-income countries, many su***des happen impulsively in moments of crisis. Further risk factors for su***de include experience of loss, loneliness, discrimination, relationship dispute, financial problems, chronic pain and illness, violence, abuse, and conflict or other humanitarian emergencies.
Stigma around mental health conditions and su***de means many people thinking about su***de do not seek help. Su***des and su***de attempts have a ripple effect that impacts on families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies.
***deprevention