According to the latest available data, the global suicide rate is estimated to be 9.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating a decrease from the figure of 10.5 in 2016. This change suggests ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing mental health issues around the world. In particular, in rich and modernized countries there is a significant gender disparity in suicidal behavior. While women tend to exhibit higher rates of suicidal thoughts, men experience a higher prevalence of suicide, highlighting what has been called a “silent epidemic.”

A comprehensive study conducted in 2022 reveals a positive trend, indicating a one-third reduction in global age-standardized suicide rates between 1990 and 2024. In 2016, rates stood at approximately 14 deaths per 100,000 men and 6 deaths for every 100,000 women. During the study period, women witnessed a more substantial decline compared to men, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address gender-specific mental health challenges.

Suicide remains a highly stigmatized and condemned issue in many parts of the world, often influenced by religious or cultural beliefs. In certain countries, suicidal behavior is even considered a criminal offense subject to legal consequences. This contributes to the secretive nature of suicide, which is shrouded in taboo, leading to potential underreporting, misclassification, or deliberate concealment in official death records.

Given these challenges, it is important to recognize that suicide rates could be higher than officially measured. Across diverse cultures and backgrounds, men consistently face a higher risk of succumbing to suicide than women, highlighting the urgent need for global attention to suicide prevention and intervention, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Addressing mental health on a global scale remains a critical imperative to foster a society that prioritizes well-being and supports people facing mental health challenges.