Question 1

How many people die by suicide?

Accepted Answer

Over 700,000 people die by suicide annually — one every 40 seconds. For every death, approximately 20 attempts occur. 77% of suicides occur in LMICs. Men die by suicide at approximately twice the rate of women globally. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for people aged 15-29.

Question 2

Is suicide preventable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WHO's LIVE LIFE guide identifies evidence-based interventions: restricting access to lethal means; responsible media reporting following safe messaging guidelines; life skills and social-emotional learning programmes in adolescents; and early identification and follow-up of people at risk in health systems.

Question 3

What is means restriction?

Accepted Answer

Means restriction reduces access to impulsive, lethal methods. Evidence is strongest for: pesticide bans in agricultural settings (reduced national rates by 30-60% in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Korea); paracetamol pack size limits (UK reduced acetaminophen suicide deaths by 43%); bridge and building barriers. Means restriction does not simply substitute to other methods — it genuinely prevents deaths.

Question 4

Does asking about suicide increase risk?

Accepted Answer

No — this is a harmful myth. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts reduces distress and opens the door to help. The evidence consistently shows that non-judgmental inquiry does not increase risk. Stigma-based avoidance leaves people in crisis without support.

Question 5

Why do men die by suicide more often?

Accepted Answer

Men die by suicide at 2-3 times the rate of women in most countries — the "gender paradox." Men use more lethal methods, are less likely to seek help due to masculinity norms discouraging vulnerability, and have higher rates of alcohol use (a major suicide risk factor). Women make more attempts but with less lethal methods.

Question 6

What is suicidal contagion?

Accepted Answer

The "Werther effect" is the increase in suicides following publicised deaths — amplified by irresponsible media coverage (detailed methods, romanticisation). The death of Robin Williams (2014) was associated with a measurable increase. Conversely, responsible reporting featuring warning signs and recovery (the "Papageno effect") can reduce suicide rates.

Question 7

How does mental disorder relate to suicide?

Accepted Answer

Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder substantially increase risk. Depression is present in ~40-60% of suicide deaths. However, up to 50% of people who die by suicide have no diagnosed mental disorder — acute social crises (relationship breakdown, financial loss, discrimination) interact with vulnerability to trigger suicidal behaviour.

Question 8

What crisis resources are available?

Accepted Answer

Crisis support: national suicide hotlines (most countries have at least one; emergency services 112/911 in acute crisis); IASP crisis centre directory at iasp.info; Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org). If someone appears at imminent risk, emergency services and emergency departments provide immediate assessment.

Question 9

What is the WHO LIVE LIFE plan?

Accepted Answer

WHO's LIVE LIFE (2021) is the global implementation guide providing national programme components, implementation checklists and monitoring frameworks targeting the SDG 3.4.2 goal of a one-third reduction in national suicide mortality by 2030.

Question 10

What is Georgia's situation?

Accepted Answer

Georgia has historically high suicide rates in men — a significant concern for PHIG and the Georgian Medical Journal. Means restriction policy, mental health service integration and responsible media reporting are priority areas for PHIG's public health mandate.

Question 11

How does GMJ News cover suicide prevention?

Accepted Answer

All GMJ coverage follows WHO safe messaging guidelines. GMJ News covers LIVE LIFE developments, means restriction evidence and SDG 3.4.2 progress. If you are personally struggling, please reach out to crisis support services immediately.

Question 12

What is the SDG 3.4.2 target?

Accepted Answer

SDG 3.4.2 calls for a one-third reduction in national suicide mortality rates by 2030 — one of the most specific and measurable mental health targets in the SDG framework. Progress is monitored through WHO Global Health Observatory data. Most countries are not on track to meet this target.

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