Cyprus

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current

  Epidemiology of Suicide

  Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 4.4 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
  • • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Cyprus have remained relatively low compared to global averages, though recent economic challenges have increased mental health issues.

  Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
  1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
     • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women experience higher rates of suicide attempts.
  2. By Age Groups:
  1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern, linked to academic pressures, social media influence, and mental health stigma.
     • Elderly (60+): Higher rates of suicide among older adults, often associated with loneliness and chronic illnesses.
  3. Rural vs. Urban:
  1. • Suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas due to isolation, economic hardship, and limited access to mental health services.

  Suicide Prevention Innovations

  National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Cyprus has developed a National Mental Health Strategy (2019–2023) that incorporates suicide prevention initiatives.
  • Key Elements:
  • • Expansion of mental health services at the primary care level.
    • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote mental health care.
    • Training healthcare providers to identify and manage suicidal behavior.

  Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
  1. • Example: Campaigns like “It’s Okay to Talk” promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma around seeking help.
  2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
  1. • Adolescents and Youth: School-based mental health programs focus on stress management and suicide prevention.
     • Elderly: Community outreach initiatives aim to reduce isolation and provide psychosocial support.
  3. Collaborative Efforts:
  1. • Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, local NGOs, and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve mental health services and outreach.

  Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
  • • Online counseling platforms and mental health apps provide accessible support, particularly for younger populations.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
  • • Training for community leaders and educators to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.

  Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
  • • Mental health stigma remains a barrier, particularly among older generations and in rural areas.
    • Family and community play a significant role in supporting mental health and suicide prevention in Cyprus.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
  • • Limited research on suicide rates and challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and immigrants.
  • Positive Developments:
  • • The implementation of the National Mental Health Strategy and increased public awareness efforts reflect Cyprus’s commitment to improving mental health care and suicide prevention.

  References

  1. Ministry of Health, Cyprus. (n.d.). National Mental Health Strategy 2019–2023. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.cy/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Cyprus – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. UNICEF Cyprus. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/cyprus/
  4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Cyprus. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  5. Trading Economics. (2019). Suicide Rates in Cyprus. Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/
  Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.6 (World Health Organization, 2021).

WHO Apps

• Trend Analysis:
  • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.
  • Recent Changes: Data indicates a consistent rate of 2.5 suicides per 100,000 people from 2017 to 2019.

Macrotrends

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Suicide is a sensitive and often stigmatized topic in Algerian society, influenced by cultural and religious beliefs.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • There is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data on suicide rates and mental health in Algeria, making it challenging to develop targeted interventions.

References

• Macrotrends, 2019. Algeria Suicide Rate 2000-2025. Available at: https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/DZA/algeria/suicide-rate
• World Health Organization, 2021. Suicide rate estimates, age-standardized – Estimates by country. Available at: https://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.MHSUICIDEASDRv