Bangladesh
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Kaan Pete Roi:
- Phone Number: +880 1779-554391
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Bangladesh’s first and only emotional support and suicide prevention helpline, staffed by trained volunteers.
- Bangladesh Child Helpline 1098:
- Phone Number: 1098
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Provides support for children and youth, operated by volunteers.
- National Helpline 109:
- Phone Number: 109
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Offers assistance to women and children, staffed by counselors.
- Vent by Mindspace:
- Phone Number: +880 9678-678778
- Hours of Operation: [Hours not specified]
- Additional Details: A psychological crisis hotline service managed by trained psychology students in Bangladesh.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): As of 2019, the suicide mortality rate in Bangladesh was reported at 3.7 per 100,000 population.
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has shown a gradual increase, from 3.4 in 2016 to 3.7 in 2019.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: 5.7 per 100,000 males (2019).
- Female Suicide Rate: 1.7 per 100,000 females (2019).
- Notable Trends: Males have a higher suicide rate compared to females in Bangladesh.
- By Age Groups:
- Adolescents (10-19): Suicide is a leading cause of death by injury in this age group, with adolescent females being particularly vulnerable.
- Elderly (60+): The highest suicide rates are found in individuals aged 60 and above.
- Geographical Variations:
- Rural vs. Urban: The suicide rate is significantly higher in rural areas, being 17 times greater than in urban settings.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Bangladesh has initiated efforts to address mental health and suicide prevention through various helplines and support services.
- Key Elements:
- Community-Based Programs: Establishment of helplines like Kaan Pete Roi to provide immediate emotional support.
- Government Policies: Implementation of national helplines to assist vulnerable populations, such as women and children.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: Kaan Pete Roi conducts outreach to destigmatize mental health issues and promote the availability of support services.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Description: The Bangladesh Child Helpline 1098 focuses on providing support to children and adolescents, groups identified as being at higher risk for suicide.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Example: Partnerships between non-governmental organizations and government agencies to enhance mental health support services.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Stigma surrounding mental health issues may prevent individuals from seeking help, highlighting the need for continued public education and destigmatization efforts.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- Limited recent data on suicide rates and demographic-specific information suggests a need for comprehensive research to inform targeted interventions.
- Positive Developments:
- The establishment of helplines like Kaan Pete Roi and the active participation of organizations indicate a growing commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Bangladesh.
References
- Kaan Pete Roi. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://kaanpeteroi.org/
- Find a Helpline. (n.d.). Bangladesh Helplines and Hotlines. Retrieved from https://findahelpline.com/countries/bd
- Trading Economics. (2019). Bangladesh – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/bangladesh/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
- (2019). Bangladesh Suicide Rate 2000-2025. Retrieved from https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/bgd/bangladesh/suicide-rate
- Mashreky, S. R., Rahman, A., & Rahman, F. (2013). Suicide kills more than 10,000 people every year in Bangladesh. HealthMED, 7(1), 201-205. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24224672/