Armenia
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: (2) 538194 or (2) 538197
- Hours of Operation: Information not specified
- Additional Details: Operated by the Trust Social Work and Sociological Research Centre, offering support to individuals in crisis.
- Emotional Support Hotline:
- Phone Number: 1-800-273-8255
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Provides immediate phone counseling by trained volunteers and mental health professionals.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 112 or 911
- Notes: National emergency numbers in Armenia, accessible via mobile and landline for immediate assistance.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 3.3 (2019 data).
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has shown fluctuations, with a notable increase in 2019.
- Recent Changes: The rate increased from 2.1 in 2018 to 3.3 in 2019, indicating a 57.14% rise.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: 5.6 per 100,000
- Female Suicide Rate: 1.3 per 100,000
- Notable Trends: Males have a significantly higher suicide rate compared to females.
- By Age Groups:
- Adolescents (15-19): Data not specified
- Young Adults (20-34): Data not specified
- Middle-Aged (35-54): Data not specified
- Elderly (55+): Data not specified
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Armenia is developing a National Suicide Prevention Plan to address the increasing suicide rates, especially following the 2020 war.
- Key Elements:
- Community-Based Programs: Initiatives to provide psychological support to war veterans and their families.
- Government Policies: Proposals to enhance mental health services and expand the range of support provided.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: Mental health hotlines supported by the WHO Country Office in Armenia, providing psychosocial support.
World Health Organization (WHO)
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Description: Focused support for war veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress and their families.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Example: Partnerships between the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and professional circles to provide effective psychological assistance.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Mental health issues and suicide may carry stigma in Armenian society, potentially discouraging individuals from seeking help.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- There is a need for more comprehensive and up-to-date data on suicide rates and mental health in Armenia to develop targeted interventions.
- Positive Developments:
- The development of a National Suicide Prevention Plan and the establishment of mental health hotlines indicate progress in addressing mental health challenges in Armenia.
References
- Macrotrends, 2019. Armenia Suicide Rate 2000-2024. Available at: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/ARM/armenia/suicide-rate
- JAMnews, 2022. Suicide in Armenia. Available at: https://jam-news.net/suicide-in-armenia/
- World Health Organization, 2022. Meet the female psychologists taking calls on an Armenian mental health hotline. Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/feature-stories/item/meet-the-female-psychologists-taking-calls-on-an-armenian-mental-health-hotline