Austria
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: 142
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Operated by Telefonseelsorge Österreich, offering confidential support for individuals in crisis.
- Youth Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: 147
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: “Rat auf Draht” provides crisis support specifically for children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 112
- Notes: National emergency number in Austria, accessible via mobile and landline for immediate assistance.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 11.9 (2021 data).
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Austria has shown a general decline over the past decades, with fluctuations in recent years.
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- Recent Changes: Data indicates a continuous decrease in suicide rates since 1986.
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Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Notable Trends: Historically, males have exhibited higher suicide rates compared to females in Austria.
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- By Age Groups:
- Notable Trends: Specific age-related data is limited, but certain age groups may exhibit higher vulnerability, necessitating targeted interventions.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Austria implemented the national suicide prevention program, SUPRA (Suicide Prevention Austria), in 2012.
- Key Elements:
- Community-Based Programs: SUPRA emphasizes support for high-risk groups and integrates suicide prevention into existing health promotion activities.
- Government Policies: The program includes measures such as restricting access to means of suicide, raising awareness, developing media support, and supporting suicide research.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: The Papageno Media Award encourages responsible media coverage of suicide, aiming to prevent imitation effects and promote awareness.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Description: SUPRA includes measures to support individuals at high risk, though specific program details are not provided in the available sources.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Example: SUPRA fosters collaboration between federal and regional levels, with several federal states developing their own local suicide prevention programs based on the SUPRA implementation concept.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Austria has a history of high suicide rates, but efforts through programs like SUPRA have contributed to increased awareness and prevention measures.
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- Research and Data Gaps:
- While overall trends are documented, more detailed demographic data would aid in tailoring interventions to specific populations.
- Positive Developments:
- The establishment of SUPRA and associated initiatives indicates a strong commitment to suicide prevention in Austria.
References
- European Commission, 2019. SUPRA – Suicide Prevention Austria. Available at: https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2019-09/ev_20190514_co02_en_0.pdf
- Werdin, S., & Wyss, K., 2024. Advancing suicide prevention in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: a qualitative study. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 11173583. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.11173583/full
- Wikipedia, 2025. List of suicide crisis lines. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines
- Bentham Science Publishers, 2025. Suicide in Austria. Available at: https://www.benthamscience.com/chapter/4488