KATHMANDU, Sept 10: World Suicide Prevention Day is being observed in Nepal today by organizing various events.

This year's World Suicide Prevention Day is being observed with the main theme: "Start the Conversation, Change the Narrative on Suicide."

Since 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day has been observed annually on September 10. The term "suicide" was first used by Sir Thomas Browne in his work ‘Religio Medici’ published in 1642.

Every year, more than 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide. In the age group of 15 to 29 years, suicide is the third leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 77 percent of global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries. In Nepal, an average of 20 people commit suicide daily.

Over the past decade, statistics show that while 4,332 people committed suicide in the fiscal year 2014/15, the number had increased to 7,223 by the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24). This graph shows a steadily rising trend. According to Nepal Police, in the fiscal year 2023/24, the number of suicides was 3,727 among men, 2,573 among women, 331 among boys, and 592 among girls.

According to the statistics published by the Crime Investigation Department of Nepal Police Headquarters, an average of 5,752 people have committed suicide in Nepal annually over the past decade.

Over the past 10 years, the highest number of suicides has been recorded in Koshi Province, while Karnali Province has seen the lowest. Out of a total of 32,878 cases, 26,650 individuals committed suicide by hanging, 5,687 by ingesting poison, and the remainder by other means. From fiscal year 2018/19 to fiscal year 2022/23, the statistics show that men have committed suicide at a higher rate compared to women.

Here are 10 facts related to suicide:

1) According to the WHO, about over 800,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year.

2) Around the world, a suicide attempt occurs every 3 seconds, and someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds.

3) Globally, more people die by suicide than by homicide and war combined.

4)   Among the leading causes of death worldwide, suicide ranks as the 15th major cause.

5)   Globally, the suicide rate is higher among people aged 70 and above.

6)   For the age group of 15 to 25 years, suicide is the second leading cause of death worldwide.

7) Over 70 percent of deaths by suicide occur in low-income and middle-income countries.

8)  Attempts at suicide are two to three times more common among women compared to men. However, the number of deaths by suicide is three times higher among men than women.

9)  In Nepal, suicide accounts for 16 percent of all annual deaths.

10) In Nepal, over a dozen people commit suicide each month, making it the seventh highest suicide rate globally. This rate is the second highest in South Asia, after Sri Lanka.

 
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