727,000 people take their own lives every year, and many more make suicide attempts, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29. The data also says that 73% of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021. Of this, four of the 10 countries with the highest suicide rates are located in Africa, including Lesotho, which has topped the list since 2018.The reasons for suicide were numerous, often influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.Despite a 35% global decline in suicide rates since 2000, certain regions, including America, have seen a 17% increase. Self-harm remains a leading cause of death worldwide.
In high-income countries, suicide is linked with mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders), and past suicide attempts. The WHO noted that many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
Experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are also associated with suicidal behaviour. The report said that people who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners, are the most vulnerable groups. According to the WHO, the global median of government health spending allocated to mental health is just 2.1%. The agency also found that many countries with the highest suicide rates in 2021 had far fewer than the global median of 13 mental health workers per 100,000 people.
10. South Korea: South Korea had the 10th-highest overall suicide rate in 2021. It also has the highest rate compared to the rest Asian countries. The suicide rate is 20.6 per 100,000 people. Despite its economic advancements, mental health stigma and limited resources remain significant barriers.9. Federated States of Micronesia: This Pacific island nation reports a rate of 20.8, with only one psychiatrist for over 112,000 people, which severely limits mental health care access.8. South Africa: South Africa’s suicide rate of 21.1 places it in the eighth position. With 930 psychiatrists for 55 million people, the nation faces a huge challenge in providing adequate mental health support.7. Uruguay: Uruguay ranks seventh with a rate of 22 per 100,000 people. This country is the third-highest in South America. With 544 psychiatrists for over 3 million people, the country struggles to meet mental health demands.6. Suriname: Suriname also stands at 22.5, shares the fifth position. As a South American nation, it faces similar issues with mental health resource allocation and access to care.5. Solomon Islands: The Solomon Islands tie for fifth with a suicide rate of 22.5. Limited mental health infrastructure exacerbates the challenge of addressing suicide prevention.4. Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is in the fourth spot with a rate of 25.4. The country allocates just 0.4% of its healthcare budget to mental health, with an estimated one to 18 psychiatrists for 15 million people, which is a huge gap in mental health services.
3. Guyana: Guyana, South America’s highest-ranking country, reports a suicide rate of 26.3. Nearly 3% of its health budget is allocated to mental health, but only 16 psychiatrists serve its 826,000 residents. 2. Eswatini: Eswatini ranks second with a rate of 31.8. The country struggles with mental health support, and has an alarming rate of only one psychiatrist for its 1.2 million population, according to WHO data.1. Lesotho: Lesotho tops the list with a suicide rate of 36.7. However, it is an improvement considering its 41.34 rate in 2020. Despite this progress, this southern African nation has drastic mental health challenges.If you are having suicidal thoughts or in need of emotional support, call suicide prevention helplines: Tele-Manas helpline: 14416 or 1800-891-4416, SAHAI Helpline: 080-25497777.
