Back

Mongolia

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 1800 2000 (Mongolian Mental Health Hotline – Ministry of Health)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential support for individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. (mohs.mn)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +976 1132 2222 (National Center for Mental Health Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Saturday
    • Additional Details: Provides mental health and crisis support. (ncmh.gov.mn)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 103 (Ambulance), 102 (Police)
    • Notes: National emergency services, including medical and mental health emergencies.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +976 7707 5070 (LGBT Centre Mongolia Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Offers counseling and mental health support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (lgbtcentre.mn)
Suicide Prevention in Mongolia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 18.3 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Mongolia have remained high, particularly among young men and rural populations, due to economic hardship, alcohol abuse, and social isolation.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Nearly four times higher than females, reflecting global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, though women experience higher rates of suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing concern due to academic stress, family instability, and social isolation.
    • Elderly (60+): Suicide rates are high among older adults due to loneliness, poverty, and health-related issues.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are significantly higher in rural areas due to limited mental health services, economic struggles, and cultural stigma.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Nomadic Populations: High suicide rates due to social isolation, financial stress, and lack of access to mental health care.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face significant stigma and mental health challenges, leading to higher suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Mongolia has incorporated suicide prevention into its National Mental Health Policy, with a focus on improving rural healthcare access.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of mental health services in rural and remote areas.
    • School-based mental health education and awareness programs.
    • Training healthcare professionals and law enforcement on suicide prevention.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Сэтгэлийн Өргөө” (“House of the Mind”) campaign promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Suicide Prevention: School-based interventions focusing on emotional resilience.
    • Alcohol Abuse and Suicide Prevention: Programs addressing the role of alcohol dependence in mental health crises.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Mongolia collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and Asian mental health organizations to improve suicide prevention services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online counseling platforms and self-help mental health apps.
    • AI-powered suicide risk detection tools integrated into healthcare settings.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, healthcare workers, and emergency responders.
    • Peer-support networks for individuals recovering from mental health crises.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mongolia has strong traditions of self-reliance, which can create barriers to seeking help for mental health issues.
    • Suicide remains a highly stigmatized issue, particularly in rural communities.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • More studies are needed on suicide risks among nomadic populations and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
    • Underreporting remains a major issue, particularly in remote areas.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased investment in mental health services, including rural healthcare expansion.
    • Public awareness campaigns are helping reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

References

  1. Mongolia Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.mohs.mn/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Mongolia – 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 Mongolia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. National Center for Mental Health Mongolia. (n.d.). Crisis Support and Mental Health Services in Mongolia. Retrieved from https://www.ncmh.gov.mn/
  5. LGBT Centre Mongolia. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.lgbtcentre.mn/
  6. UNICEF Mongolia. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Mongolia. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/mongolia/