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Saudi Arabia

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 920033360 (National Center for Mental Health Promotion – Suicide Prevention and Psychological Support Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides free and confidential mental health support, including suicide prevention services. (ncmh.org.sa)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 937 (Saudi Ministry of Health – Mental Health and Crisis Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological assistance, counseling, and crisis intervention. (moh.gov.sa)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 997 (Medical Emergencies) / 999 (Police)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers for urgent medical and security services.
  1. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: 1919 (National Family Safety Program – Domestic Violence and Trauma Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention, shelter services, and psychological support for survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence. (hrsd.gov.sa)
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: 800 122 2777 (Saudi National Family Safety Program – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Support)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 10 PM, Sunday to Thursday
    • Additional Details: Provides emotional support and counseling services for young people facing mental health challenges.
Suicide Prevention in Saudi Arabia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 3.2 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Saudi Arabia remain low compared to global averages but have been gradually increasing, especially among young adults and expatriate workers.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, with work-related stress being a major contributing factor.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but increasing, with social restrictions and mental health stigma playing a role in suicide risk.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising rates due to academic pressure, social isolation, and cyberbullying.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but some cases linked to loneliness and declining health.
  1. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Suicide rates are slightly higher in urban centers due to increased social pressures and economic factors.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Expatriate Workers: Higher suicide risk due to work-related stress, financial hardship, and limited access to mental health services.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face social and legal challenges, with limited access to mental health services.
    • Survivors of Domestic Violence: Increased risk of mental health struggles and suicidal ideation.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Saudi Arabia has incorporated suicide prevention into its National Mental Health Strategy, focusing on accessibility, awareness, and reducing stigma.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding mental health services in hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
    • Strengthening suicide prevention training for healthcare professionals.
    • Public awareness campaigns to combat mental health stigma.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Your Mental Health Matters” – A campaign encouraging individuals to seek help and talk about mental health.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Workplace Mental Health Support Programs: Providing psychological services for expatriate workers.
    • School-Based Mental Health Education: Integrating mental health awareness programs into school curriculums.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Saudi Arabia partners with WHO, regional mental health organizations, and NGOs to enhance suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Development of AI-based suicide risk detection tools in social media.
    • Telehealth and online counseling platforms increasing mental health service accessibility.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement.
    • Support groups for individuals affected by suicide and mental health struggles.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health remains a sensitive and often stigmatized topic in Saudi society.
    • Religious and family structures play a significant role in mental health interventions.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and minority groups.
    • Suicide attempts may be underreported due to stigma and religious beliefs.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased investment in mental health services and suicide prevention initiatives.
    • Greater public awareness and integration of mental health into national healthcare programs.

References

  1. Saudi Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.sa/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Saudi Arabia – 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 Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. National Center for Mental Health Promotion. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.ncmh.org.sa/
  5. Saudi National Family Safety Program. (n.d.). Child and Adolescent Mental Health Support Services in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.nfsp.org.sa/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/saudi-arabia/