WANA (Sep 16) – Pain and suffering can sometimes penetrate deep into a person’s soul, turning into depression. This painful feeling, which gradually drains all of an individual’s energy, becomes increasingly difficult to endure over time.

 

As the emotional burden intensifies, the person may be pushed toward silence and isolation. The struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions leaves them feeling trapped and without options.

 

In many cases, this silence comes at the cost of life itself. Eventually, the isolation and despair lead some individuals to consider ending their life. Tragically, someone around the world dies by suicide every 11 minutes.

 

In Iran, statistics on suicide indicate that approximately 4,000 people lose their lives annually due to this phenomenon. Brigadier General Saeid Montazeralmahdi, the Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs of the Information Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Police Command, described suicide as one of the most lethal and disastrous behaviors of humanity.

 

He emphasized that suicide results in more than 4,000 deaths annually in Iran, with severe harm affecting 10 to 20 times this number.

 

According to the Iranian Family Therapy Association, 90% of people who attempt suicide have a history of mental disorders. When a person suffering from depression cannot find a way to improve their life and experiences immense pain and suffering, they may see suicide and self-destruction as the only way out.

 

On the other hand, statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that depression is the cause of 58% to 60% of suicide attempts. For this reason, depression ranks highest among the mental disorders associated with suicide attempts. Therefore, when depression rates rise in a society, 60% of individuals suffering from depression are at risk of attempting suicide.

 

This social issue arises from the interaction of various psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors. Poverty and unemployment, conflicts with family and friends, relationship failures, workplace problems, alcohol and drug abuse, childhood difficulties, social rejection during childhood and adolescence, and mental disorders like depression are among the factors that intensify the desire for suicide.

A young woman trying to end her life, and others trying to stop her, Social media/ WANA News Agency

Hamid Yaghoubi, head of the Iranian Scientific Society for Suicide Prevention, described suicide as a taboo subject. He noted that people pay more attention to physical problems and often view mental health issues as signs of weakness and incapability.

 

He mentioned that among national leaders and officials, discussing suicide and its statistics — even within families — is considered taboo. Families typically explain the death of a young person in a different manner.

 

Suicide is considered taboo in all countries, and reported statistics are usually lower than the actual numbers. The real number of suicides in every country is higher than official figures because families are often reluctant to declare suicide as the cause of death for their loved ones.

 

Global statistics show that the average suicide rate worldwide has decreased. Currently, 9 out of every 100,000 take their lives, which is a drop from 20 years ago when the rate was 13 per 100,000. In Iran, the suicide rate is also lower than the global average.

 

Yaghoubi highlighted that 60% of people who die by suicide are under 50, and in Iran, this percentage is higher. Latest statistics show that 7 out of 100,000 people die by suicide, with a higher rate among men than women.

 

Jumping from a pedestrian bridge, throwing oneself in front of a train, self-immolation, jumping from a residential building or dormitory, hanging, ingesting toxic pills like aluminium phosphide, and suicide by firearm are among the various methods that first come to mind for individuals contemplating ending their life.

 

However, the question is whether a person who attempts suicide by any of these means succeeds in their attempt or if, in addition to mental struggles, they also end up with physical complications due to an unsuccessful suicide, burdening both themselves and their family.

 

According to findings, among those who have experienced a failed suicide attempt, many regret their decision afterwards and seek solutions. However, many of them may not get a second chance at life.

 

Meanwhile, last year, the World Health Organization reported that over 700,000 people worldwide die by suicide annually, meaning that every 11 minutes, a person dies by their hand.

A young woman trying to end her life, Social media/ WANA News Agency

Yaghoubi explained that around 5% of suicide attempts result in death, and for every suicide-related death, about 20 attempts occur. A history of attempted suicide is one of the strongest risk factors for predicting future suicide attempts.

 

Yaghoubi criticized the implementation of suicide prevention programs in Iran, stating that these programs have not yielded significant results, and the suicide rate in the country has increased.

 

He suggested that all ministries and relevant institutions need to take action to combat this multifaceted issue. By building social capital and improving the economic situation, there is hope that suicide rates in Iran could decrease within the next two to three years.

 

Yaghoubi presented a roadmap for controlling suicide in the country and emphasized that, first, suicide statistics need to stabilize over several years before a decline can be expected. Then, ministries should define their missions based on reducing risk factors, and authorities must focus on solving the problem rather than denying it.

 

He also proposed that the president establish a social affairs department to closely monitor the performance of agencies responsible for addressing social harm. This department could make suicide prevention a serious priority by developing and pursuing a national suicide prevention plan.

 

Based on recent suicide theories that highlight the importance of social connection, Yaghoubi identified loneliness as one of the causes of suicide and stressed the need to strengthen social and family relationships.

 

Yaghoubi outlined the signs of suicide, explaining that they are divided into four categories: direct verbal, indirect verbal, situational, and behavioural. Direct verbal signs include explicitly expressing the intention to take one’s life, while indirect verbal signs involve statements like “There’s no need to worry anymore.” Situational signs may include economic crises, and behavioural signs involve actions such as writing a will or sudden changes in behaviour.

 

Emphasizing that suicide is preventable, he recommended using the “QPR” technique (Question, Persuade, Refer) when observing these signs and, if necessary, contacting the 123 social emergency hotline to Iranian citizens.

 

Seyed Hassan Mousavi Chelak, president of the Iranian Social Workers Association, referred to global suicide statistics, stating that although suicide is a worldwide phenomenon and Iran’s suicide rate is lower than in other countries, it is on the rise. He mentioned recent crises such as floods, the economic crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic as factors that may contribute to the increase in the suicide rate.

 

Mousavi Chelak criticized the lack of a comprehensive suicide prevention plan, noting that it has created challenges, and emphasized the need for teaching life skills and the skills for living happily. He also introduced the 123 and 1570 hotlines for counselling and helping those in need in Iran.

 

To sum up, suicide is not only a complex and multifaceted issue in Iran but also in societies worldwide, influenced by numerous factors. However, it is preventable with awareness, intervention, and proper social support systems.

 

The video of a woman trying to end her life, who fails with the efforts of the Iranian rescue team