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Lebanon

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 1564 (Embrace Lifeline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Lebanon’s first national emotional support and suicide prevention helpline. Provides confidential support in Arabic, English, and French. (embracelebanon.org)
  1. Youth Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +961 1 611 611 (Child and Youth Protection Program)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers emotional support for children and adolescents in distress.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +961 71 916 146 (Helem Lebanon Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 5 PM – 9 PM, daily.
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis support and mental health services for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (helem.net)
Suicide Prevention in Lebanon

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 3.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Lebanon have seen an increase, particularly during periods of economic crisis and political instability.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, but more women report suicide attempts, often linked to domestic violence and socio-economic pressures.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing rates of suicide linked to unemployment, academic stress, and economic uncertainty.
    • Elderly (60+): Financial instability and social isolation contribute to mental health challenges.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are slightly higher in rural areas due to limited access to mental health services and economic hardship.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face heightened suicide risks due to legal and social discrimination.
    • Refugees and Displaced Persons: Increased vulnerability due to trauma, economic difficulties, and lack of mental health resources.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Lebanon has no formal national suicide prevention strategy but has been expanding crisis support and mental health services in response to increasing suicide rates.
  • Key Elements:
    • Government and NGO efforts to improve mental health services.
    • Expansion of crisis hotlines and outreach programs.
    • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding suicide.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Not Alone” campaign by Embrace Lebanon to educate the public about suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health: Initiatives in schools and universities to promote mental health awareness.
    • Refugee Mental Health Support: NGOs provide counseling and suicide prevention programs for displaced populations.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNHCR, and NGOs to enhance mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Telehealth and online counseling services are emerging as an alternative to traditional therapy.
    • Social media campaigns help raise awareness about mental health issues.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for healthcare professionals, teachers, and social workers.
    • Peer-support networks provide emotional support in underserved communities.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a deeply stigmatized issue in Lebanon, with many cases underreported due to social and religious sensitivities.
    • Family and religious leaders play a significant role in mental health support.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited official suicide data on marginalized populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and refugees.
    • Underreporting remains a challenge due to stigma and legal barriers.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Lebanon has seen increased investment in mental health awareness, particularly through NGO-led initiatives.
    • Expansion of crisis support services, including the Embrace Lifeline, represents progress in suicide prevention.

References

  1. Embrace Lebanon. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1564. Retrieved from https://www.embracelebanon.org/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Lebanon – 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 Lebanon. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Helem Lebanon. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.helem.net/
  5. Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. (n.d.). Mental Health Programs and Suicide Prevention Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.moph.gov.lb/
  6. UNHCR Lebanon. (n.d.). Refugee Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/lb/