Suicide and the prevention of suicidal behaviours

Abstract

This chapter describes the public mental health approach to suicide and provides an overview of the prevalence and epidemiology of suicide worldwide. The chapter also reviews risk and protective factors, and critically examines the evidence of the various suicide prevention strategies. The challenges in implementing and evaluating suicide prevention strategies are discussed. A multi-sectoral public health model for implementing and evaluating suicide prevention programmes is described. Public health interventions, like restricting access to lethal means of suicide and reducing the availability and use of alcohol, should be a core strategy in all countries. Identifying and providing interventions to suicidal persons can be a skill that can be taught in a variety of settings. One of the indicators in the Sustainable Development Goals is suicide moratality rate. Hence, every country has a responsibility to improve data and reduce suicides in their country.