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Suicide and self-harm

Every 2 minutes, 3 people die due to suicide. By working together at the community level, we can prevent suicide and self-harm through awareness, intervention, and support systems.

746,000 deaths by suicide occurred globally in 2023, ranking it as the #21 cause of death – more than HIV.
519,000 suicide deaths in 2021 occurred in men, while 227,000 were in women.
47 was the average age when people died by suicide in 2021.
10% of male and 3% of female suicide deaths are by gun in 2021.

Every minute, 4 men and 6 women need inpatient treatment due to suicide attempts

Are suicide death rates increasing or decreasing?

The number of suicide deaths increased from 1990 to 2021, but the rate decreased. The age-standardized death rate in men decreased by 34% and in women by 50% from 1990 to 2021. The age-standardized incidence of suicide also decreased but by much less than death for males (19%) and for females (32%).

In 4 regions, age-standardized death rate for suicide increased:

  • Central Latin America increased by 39%, with Mexico at the top
  • Andean Latin America increased by 13%, with Ecuador at the top  
  • Tropical Latin America increased by 9%, with Paraguay at the top
  • High-income North America increased by 7%, with USA at the top  

In other regions, age-standardized death rates for suicide increased:

  • Highest is East Asia with -66% and China with the highest decrease  
  • Western Europe with -41% and Denmark with the highest decrease
  • Central Europe with 40% and Hungry in this region with the highest decrease 

What is the average age of death due to suicide?

Globally, the mean age of death due to suicide was 47 years in 2021, an increase of 4.4 years from 1990. 

The mean age at death for males was very different among regions: 

  • The lowest is in Oceania with 35.8 and the lowest country in this region is Kiribati with 31.9. 
  • The next lowest is North Africa and the Middle East with 38.4 and lowest country in this region is Afghanistan with 35.
  • East Asia has the highest mean age of death for male suicide at 57.8 (with China at 58.1 being the highest) and Western Europe with 55.2 (with Portugal at 60.2 being the highest)

The mean age at death for females was also very different among regions:

  • The lowest age is in Oceania with 34.4 and the lowest country in this region is Nauru with 31.2 
  • The next lowest is central Latin America with 34.6 and the lowest country in this region is Guatemala with 29.8 years age  
  • East Asia has the highest mean age of death for Female suicide (60.3), and in this region China had the highest at 60.6; next is Central Europe with 57.9 and in this region, Slovenia (64.1) is the oldest.   

What fraction of suicide deaths are caused by firearms?

Globally 10% of male and 3% of female suicide deaths are by gun.

Why do more male suicide attempts result in death than females?

This is known as the "gender paradox" in suicide. Women attempt suicide more often than men, but men die by suicide at much higher rates. There are some key factors for this:

  1. Method of suicide (lethality factor): Men tend to use more violent and lethal methods (firearms, hanging, jumping), which result in a higher fatality rate. Women are more likely to use poisoning, overdosing, or self-harm, which have higher survival rates and allow for medical intervention
  2. Impulsivity vs. planning: Women’s suicide attempts are often more impulsive and tied to emotional distress, relationship conflicts, or immediate crises. Men’s suicides tend to be more planned and involve a stronger intent to die, increasing their chances of success.
  3. Help-seeking behavior: Women are more likely to seek help from friends, family, or mental health professionals before or after a suicide attempt. Men often avoid seeking help due to societal expectations of "toughness," which means their distress remains hidden until it's too late.
  4. Social support and coping mechanisms: Women generally have stronger social networks and may find emotional support from friends or loved ones, which can help them survive attempts and recover. Men often face social isolation and may turn to alcohol, aggression, or self-harm instead of reaching out for help
  5. Mental health and coping differences: Women have higher rates of depression and anxiety, which are strongly linked to suicidal behavior. Men have higher rates of substance abuse and impulsivity, which can increase suicide risk and make their actions more fatal.
  6. Cultural and societal expectations: Society often pressures men to be self-reliant, emotionally strong, and in control, making it harder for them to express distress. Women are more likely to express emotions and seek emotional relief, leading to more attempts but fewer deaths.