More deaths from suicide than traffic accidents

Suicide Prevention Day: Helping people at risk

09/10/2014

Every year around 10,000 people commit suicide in Germany. The International Suicide Prevention Day is intended to draw attention to the often underestimated problem. Nationwide, events take place that also address how vulnerable people can be helped.

Each year, 10,000 people take their own lives in Germany
Around 10,000 people take their own lives every year in Germany. 70 percent of them are men. According to the National Suicide Prevention Program, there are at least 100,000 attempts. Only a few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had on the „World Suicide Report“ drew attention to the fact that around 800,000 people commit suicide annually and millions of people attempt to commit suicide. The International Suicide Prevention Day, which aims to draw attention to the often underestimated problem, takes place every year on 10 September.

Restraint in reporting
Especially large parts of the population become aware, especially when it comes to the suicide of celebrities, such as the former Bundesliga Robert Enke. However, several studies have shown in the past that the number of suicides increases after detailed reporting every time. Therefore, many media react very deliberately and follow the guidelines of the German Press Council for the Protection of Personality (Section 8), which states: „Reporting on suicide requires restraint. This applies in particular to the naming of names, the publication of photos and the description of closer circumstances.“

Suicide is a global phenomenon
In Germany, according to the German Society for Suicide Prevention (DGS), about as many people die from suicide as from traffic accidents, AIDS, illegal drugs and acts of violence. Although the situation in other developed countries is hardly different, suicide, according to WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, is a global phenomenon. However, there are strong differences in the suicide rate in international comparison. Thus, three out of four registered suicides would be committed in low- and middle-income countries.

Help for vulnerable people
For the first time, the Suicide Prevention Day was proclaimed by WHO and the International Association for Suicide Prevention Year 2003. In Germany, talks and events will be held on this day to discuss how vulnerable people can be helped. In addition, services take place in which the deceased is thought. More than a hundred telephone counselors in Germany always offer anonymous advice under the nationwide and free phone numbers 0800/1110111 or 0800/1110222. As Georg Fiedler announced from the National Suicide Prevention Program, the trained staff members listen attentively, take part and, if necessary, also refer them to other institutions. As a rule, there are outpatient clinics in hospitals and psychiatric clinics, and a doctor on duty, who can also be reached at night. (Ad)