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United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 800 4673 (National Mental Support Line – UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP))
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides confidential suicide prevention counseling, mental health support, and crisis intervention. (mohap.gov.ae)
  2. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 800 111 (Dubai Mental Health Helpline – Dubai Health Authority (DHA))
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Offers psychological support and crisis response for individuals in distress. (dha.gov.ae)
  3. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 999 (Police Emergency) / 998 (Medical Emergency)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers for immediate assistance, including suicide-related crises.
  4. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: 800 7283 (Ewaa – National GBV Helpline for Domestic Violence Victims)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support, legal assistance, and emergency shelter for survivors of abuse. (ewaa.gov.ae)
  5. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: 800 51115 (Sharjah Child and Youth Mental Health Helpline – Child Protection Centre)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers mental health support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services for young people. (shjpolice.gov.ae)
Suicide Prevention in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.7 (2019 data). (World Bank)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in the UAE remain relatively low but have shown a gradual increase, particularly among expatriate workers.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than female suicide rates, often linked to financial stress, isolation, and workplace pressures.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but risk factors include domestic abuse and family conflicts.
  2. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (10–24): Increasing cases of depression and self-harm due to academic pressure and social stress.
    • Elderly (60+): Lower suicide rates, though some mental health challenges arise from social isolation.
  3. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Suicide cases are more common in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where expatriates face high levels of stress and isolation.
  4. Special Groups:
    • Migrant and Expatriate Workers: Higher suicide risk due to financial stress, long working hours, and lack of social support networks.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Limited legal protections and social stigma contribute to increased mental health struggles.
    • University Students: Increased stress due to academic and financial pressures.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: The UAE government has incorporated suicide prevention into its broader national mental health strategy.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of mental health services in public hospitals and clinics.
    • Awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around mental health.
    • Policies supporting workplace mental health and employee well-being.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “You Matter” – A campaign focused on breaking mental health stigma and promoting help-seeking behaviors.
  2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Workplace Mental Health Initiatives: Implemented for high-stress sectors like construction and finance.
    • Migrant Worker Mental Health Support: Special programs addressing the challenges faced by the expatriate population.
  3. Collaborative Efforts:
    • UAE collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and private mental health institutions to enhance suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • AI-driven mental health chatbots offering early suicide risk screening.
    • Mobile apps providing mental health resources, crisis counseling, and mindfulness exercises.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for HR professionals, religious leaders, and medical staff.
    • Peer-support groups offering culturally relevant mental health education.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a sensitive and stigmatized topic in the UAE, leading to underreporting.
    • Religious and family support structures play a major role in mental health care.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national statistics on suicide attempts and self-harm.
    • Underreporting due to legal concerns and social stigma surrounding suicide.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increasing government investment in mental health infrastructure.
    • Growing awareness of the need for mental health resources, particularly for expatriates and youth.

References

  1. UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.mohap.gov.ae/
  2. World Bank. (2019). UAE – 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 the UAE. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Ewaa UAE. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in the UAE. Retrieved from https://www.ewaa.gov.ae/
  5. Dubai Health Authority (DHA). (n.d.). Crisis Helpline and Suicide Prevention Services in Dubai. Retrieved from https://www.dha.gov.ae/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF UAE. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in the UAE. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/