Iraq

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 4.0 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Iraq have shown an upward trend, with conflict, displacement, and socio-economic hardship being key contributing factors.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global patterns.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women face unique challenges such as forced marriages, domestic violence, and honor-based violence.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern, often linked to unemployment, displacement, and lack of mental health resources.
   • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but suicide risks are associated with social isolation and chronic illness.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to traditional stigma, lack of mental health services, and social isolation.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Displaced Persons and Refugees: Suicide risk is elevated due to trauma, displacement, and poor living conditions.
   • Ethnic Minorities: Groups such as Yazidis and Kurds are particularly vulnerable due to systemic violence and marginalization.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Iraq does not yet have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. However, mental health care is integrated into primary healthcare systems with support from international organizations.
• Key Elements:

• • Expanding crisis services for vulnerable populations.
  • Training mental health professionals to address suicide risks.
  • Providing psychosocial support in conflict-affected areas.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Campaigns such as “Speak Up” promote mental health awareness and encourage individuals to seek help.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth Support Programs: Focus on building emotional resilience in schools and universities.
   • Displaced and Refugee Outreach: Mental health initiatives for individuals in camps and temporary shelters.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO, UNHCR, and local NGOs to deliver mental health services in conflict-affected areas.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Mobile apps are in development to offer mental health resources and self-help tools for displaced populations.
  • Remote counseling platforms provide access to psychologists in urban and rural areas.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training community leaders, educators, and health workers to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Peer-support groups in displaced communities offer emotional and social support.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Suicide is heavily stigmatized in Iraq, with religious and cultural beliefs discouraging open discussions about mental health.
  • Family and tribal networks play a significant role in mental health care and support.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Suicide rates among refugees, displaced persons, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are underreported and require further study.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased collaboration with international organizations and the integration of mental health into primary care reflect progress in addressing suicide prevention.

References

1. SEMA Foundation. (n.d.). Mental Health Services for Refugees and Displaced Persons in Iraq. Retrieved from https://sema.org/
2. World Bank. (2019). Iraq – 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 Iraq. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. UNICEF Iraq. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health Support Programs. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/iraq/
5. UNHCR Iraq. (n.d.). Psychosocial Support for Refugees in Iraq. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/iraq/