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Belarus

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. National Emergency Number:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Accessible via mobile and landline; provides immediate assistance for emergencies, including mental health crises.
  1. Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence:
    • Phone Number: 8 801 100 8 801
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Offers anonymous support for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
  1. Child Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 801–100–1611
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides anonymous assistance to children in need.
Suicide Prevention in Belarus

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): As of 2017, the suicide rate in Belarus was 23.3 per 100,000 individuals.

Macrotrends

  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has shown a slight decline, decreasing from 24.2 in 2016 to 23.3 in 2017.

Macrotrends

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than females, contributing to the overall elevated suicide rate in the country.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower compared to males, consistent with global trends.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • General Observation: Higher suicide rates are observed in rural areas compared to urban settings.

PubMed

  1. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities:
    • Data specific to CALD communities in Belarus is limited.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Communities:
    • There is a lack of specific data regarding suicide rates within LGBTQIA+ populations in Belarus.
  1. Indigenous Communities:
    • Belarus does not have recognized indigenous populations; thus, no data is available.
  1. Other Special Groups:
    • Individuals in rural areas are identified as a high-risk group due to higher suicide rates compared to urban counterparts.

PubMed

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Belarus has implemented national emergency services accessible via the 112 hotline, which provides immediate assistance, including for mental health crises.
  • Key Elements:
    • Emergency Response: The 112 service offers rapid response for individuals in crisis situations.
    • Specialized Helplines: Dedicated lines for victims of domestic violence and children provide targeted support.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Information on specific public awareness campaigns in Belarus is limited.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • The establishment of specialized helplines aims to support vulnerable populations, such as victims of domestic violence and children.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Details on collaborative suicide prevention efforts in Belarus are scarce.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • The higher suicide rates in rural areas may be influenced by cultural and social factors unique to these regions.

PubMed

  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • There is a need for more comprehensive data on suicide rates among specific demographic groups, including CALD and LGBTQIA+ communities.
  • Positive Developments:
    • The availability of specialized helplines indicates a commitment to providing support for vulnerable populations.

References

  • Macrotrends
  • Kondrichin SV, Lester D. Suicide in Belarus. Crisis. 1998;19(4):167-71. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910.19.4.167. PMID: 10331314. PubMed
  • Wikipedia