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Turkey

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 112 (Emergency Health Services – National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides immediate crisis intervention, suicide prevention counseling, and emergency psychiatric support. (saglik.gov.tr)
  2. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 182 (Mental Health and Psychological Support Line – Ministry of Health of Turkey)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Offers mental health guidance, crisis support, and psychiatric referrals.
  3. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112 (Medical Emergency) / 155 (Police Emergency)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers for urgent medical and psychiatric assistance.
  4. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: 183 (Social Support and Domestic Violence Helpline – Ministry of Family and Social Services)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention, legal aid, and shelter for survivors of gender-based violence. (aile.gov.tr)
  5. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +90 312 586 80 00 (UNICEF Turkey – Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers emotional support, crisis intervention, and mental health resources for children and adolescents. (unicef.org/turkey)
Suicide Prevention in Turkey

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 4.3 (2019 data). (World Bank)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Turkey have remained relatively stable, though concerns remain over rising rates among youth and marginalized populations.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, often associated with financial difficulties, social isolation, and work-related stress.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but suicide attempts are more frequent among women, often linked to domestic violence and mental health struggles.
  2. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (10–24): Increasing suicide risk due to academic pressure, social expectations, and mental health stigma.
    • Elderly (60+): Higher vulnerability due to loneliness, economic instability, and chronic health conditions.
  3. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas, where mental health services are less accessible.
  4. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: High suicide risk due to discrimination and lack of supportive resources.
    • University Students: Report high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, contributing to suicide risk.
    • Syrian Refugees and Displaced Populations: Increased vulnerability due to trauma, PTSD, and economic hardship.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Turkey has integrated suicide prevention into its national health policies, emphasizing mental health support and crisis intervention.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of suicide prevention programs in schools and universities.
    • Training for healthcare professionals on suicide risk assessment and intervention.
    • Increased investment in digital mental health solutions.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Hayata Tutun” (Hold On to Life) – A national mental health awareness campaign promoting suicide prevention and emotional resilience.
  2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Mental Health Support for Refugees: Psychological services for displaced individuals, particularly Syrians affected by war trauma.
    • Suicide Prevention in Schools: Mental health awareness and intervention programs integrated into the education system.
  3. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Turkey collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and mental health NGOs to strengthen suicide prevention strategies and crisis response.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • AI-based mental health chatbots for crisis support.
    • Mobile applications offering self-help strategies and direct access to crisis counselors.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training religious leaders, teachers, and community health workers in suicide prevention.
    • Peer-support networks providing mental health education and suicide intervention services.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a sensitive issue in Turkey, with stigma often preventing individuals from seeking help.
    • Family and religious institutions play a critical role in mental health discussions.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited nationwide studies on suicide trends among LGBTQIA+ and refugee communities.
    • Underreporting of suicide due to cultural stigma and lack of centralized mental health data collection.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Expansion of mental health support services, including crisis hotlines and digital interventions.
    • Increased public discourse on mental health and suicide prevention through national awareness campaigns.

References

  1. Turkey Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy (under development). Retrieved from https://www.saglik.gov.tr/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Turkey – 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 Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Samaritans Turkey. (n.d.). Crisis Helpline and Suicide Prevention Services in Turkey.
  5. UNFPA Turkey. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the Middle East and North Africa. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF Turkey. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/turkey/