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Iceland

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 1717 (Red Cross Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential support in Icelandic and English for individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. Also available via online chat. (raudikrossinn.is)
  1. Youth Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 1717 (Same as primary hotline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides mental health support for children and adolescents.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: European emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance, including mental health crises.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +354 552 7572 (Samtökin ‘78 – LGBTQIA+ Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: Varied hours, check website for details.
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis and mental health support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (samtokin78.is)
Suicide Prevention in Iceland

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 12.3 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Iceland have remained relatively stable, with a slight decline due to strengthened suicide prevention measures and mental health awareness programs.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Approximately three times higher than females.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women experience higher rates of suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide remains a significant concern, often linked to academic stress, isolation, and mental health stigma.
    • Elderly (60+): Suicide risk increases due to health-related issues and social isolation.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas due to geographic isolation, long winters, and limited access to mental health services.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant populations face increased risks due to social exclusion and mental health challenges.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Iceland has implemented a National Suicide Prevention Strategy that integrates suicide prevention into mental health services and public health initiatives.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of crisis helplines and online mental health services.
    • Training programs for healthcare professionals in suicide prevention.
    • Increased funding for mental health research and suicide prevention initiatives.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Líf er þess virði” (“Life is Worth It”) campaign promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Programs: School-based interventions provide mental health education and coping skills.
    • Rural Outreach Initiatives: Expanding mental health services in remote areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, the Icelandic Red Cross, and local mental health NGOs to improve suicide prevention resources.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online therapy platforms such as “Heilsuvera” offer remote mental health support.
    • AI-based chatbots provide crisis support and mental health screening.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for educators, emergency responders, and healthcare providers.
    • Peer-support programs that connect individuals experiencing distress with trained volunteers.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health discussions have become more open in Iceland, but stigma remains a challenge in some communities.
    • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a known risk factor, given Iceland’s long and dark winters, leading to targeted mental health interventions.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Further research is needed on suicide trends among migrant populations and other marginalized groups.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Expansion of mental health services, improved crisis response, and increased public awareness campaigns have contributed to a decline in suicide rates.

References

  1. Icelandic Red Cross. (n.d.). 1717 Crisis Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.raudikrossinn.is/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Iceland – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Iceland. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Samtökin ‘78. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support Services in Iceland. Retrieved from https://samtokin78.is/
  5. Ministry of Health, Iceland. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-of-health/