High Suicide Research Articles

Study on Awareness of Suicide and Suicide Prevention Among Community Youth.

South Korea has the highest suicide rate among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries; there is an increasing trend in suicide attempts among middle and high school students. Various factors contribute to the risk of suicide among adolescents, and the perception of suicide prevention has emerged as a significant factor. This study aimed to investigate the association between emotional and behavioral difficulties among middle and high school students and their perceptions of suicide prevention and to explore differences in suicide perception according to age. A survey was conducted among community middle and high school students, including 530 participants, between 2020 and 2021. Emotional and behavioral difficulties were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Korean version, and participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on the importance and possibility of suicide prevention. A correlation test and analysis of variance were used to examine the relationships between the variables, and suicide awareness was compared according to age. The participants who displayed higher strength or lower difficulty were more likely to respond positively to suicide prevention measures. They also exhibited high strength and low difficulty levels, thus agreeing with the importance of suicide prevention. Regarding age-related perceptions of suicide, adults aged 20-29 years reported the lowest probability of suicide prevention. Suicide perceptions influence the incidence of suicide. Therefore, active societal engagement through suicide prevention campaigns and related education is essential to improve such perceptions. Continuous attention and support are required to address this issue.

The Philosophical and Sociological exposition of Suicide in Lesotho

One of the philosophical problem is the phenomenon of suicide. In the Kingdom of Lesotho as many nations the nature of suicide can be understood from the philosophical and sociological lenses. Among the countries in the world with the highest suicide rate is Lesotho. How come? This research article delves into the complex relationship between individual agency and social factors in context of the existence of suicide in Lesotho, drawing upon philosophical and sociological approaches. The main philosophical and sociological positions of suicide in this paper are presented. A qualitative method has been applied in this paper, secondary data has been subscribed from electronic database from various reliable sources such as World Health Organization (WHO) reports, government and private documents related to suicide and mental affairs reports. A comparative analysis of philosophical and sociological perspectives, the article seeks to deepen our understanding of the factors contributing to suicidal behaviours and their implications for prevention and intervention strategies. This paper also discusses the richness of Durkheim’s insight on suicide and four etiological types of suicide. This paper concludes by putting forward that young people in Lesotho who have serious mental illnesses at an early age have a higher risk of suicide.

Suicide Literacy and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help among Medical Residents.

This study investigates suicide literacy, help-seeking attitudes, and related factors among medical residents. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and included all medical residents in Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2023‒2024. We obtained demographic information, psychiatric history, and administered questionnaires about literacy of suicide (LOSS) and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH-SF). A total of 157 residents with a mean age of 28.97±2.55 years participated. The prevalence of any psychiatric history was 17.83% (95% CI: 12.1‒23.56). Notably, more educated males displayed higher suicidal literacy (95% CI: 0.231‒0.567, P=0.032), while there was no significant difference in help-seeking attitudes between genders (P=0.755). Surgical residents scored lower than non-surgical specialties like pediatrics (mean difference=2.63, 95% CI: 0.23-5.03, P=0.023, effect size d=0.589). Older age positively correlated with help-seeking attitudes (r=0.158, P=0.049). Additionally, marital status, residency level, history of psychiatric illnesses and their types, previous use of psychiatric medications, and history of self-harm or suicide had no significant impact on suicide literacy scores or attitude toward help-seeking. A moderate association (r=0.367) was found between the suicide literacy and help-seeking attitude questionnaire scores. Despite relatively high suicide literacy, medical residents displayed average help-seeking attitudes, positioning them as a high-risk group. Urgent interventions are needed to enhance awareness of the importance of psychological support and to reduce stress and work pressure, indirectly mitigating the risk of suicide in this vulnerable population.

Association between Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Ideation Using Propensity Score Matching in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal ideation (SI) in the general Korean population. Methods: The 2022 Mental Health Awareness Survey was collected from the Chungcheongnam-do Mental Health Welfare Center (CHMHC). Before Propensity Score Matching (PSM), 823 participants were included in this study. After 1:4 PSM, the 255 participants were analyzed using the chi-square test and matched conditional logistic regression. Results: The AUD group had higher odds of experiencing SI than the non-AUD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.40, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.10-5.22). Stratified matched conditional logistic regression showed that, among the female, <40 years and single group, the AUD group was more likely to experience SI compared with the non-AUD, respectively (AOR:3.53, 95% CI: 1.20-10.44/AOR:3.45, 95% CI: 1.03-11.55/AOR:4.83, 95% CI: 1.18-19.69). However, among the male, ≥40 years and married group, we discovered no association between AUD and SI. Conclusions: Through this study, we found a strong association between the AUD group and SI. This association was particularly strong among female, <40 years, and single groups. This study elucidates the relationship between AUD and SI in the Chungnam region, which had not been previously identified in Korea, and it is expected to serve as foundational data for reducing the high suicide rate in this region. However, due to the limitation of being a cross-sectional study, future longitudinal research is required.

“Put your personality into the call”: A qualitative interview study illuminating strategies for improving men’s engagement on crisis helplines

BackgroundCrisis telephone helplines are an integral part of community suicide prevention. Despite high male suicide rates, men’s experiences of these services are poorly understood. The current study explored men’s perspectives of their interactions with helpline counsellors to understand how their engagement on helplines can be enhanced.MethodSixteen men (19–71 years) who had previously used a mental health or crisis helpline in Australia completed individual semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Data were analysed using interpretive descriptive methodologies.ResultsTwo themes derived from the data related to how men engaged with counsellors on helpline services. First, men emphasized the importance of helpline counsellors creating and maintaining an authentic connection across the call, providing suggestions for strategies to secure connection. Second, men discussed how counsellors can facilitate outcomes through offering space for their narratives and aiding in referrals to other support services when required.ConclusionsFindings highlight the value of crisis helplines for men’s suicide prevention services while identifying target areas to improve engagement. We discuss implications for the findings including suggestions for gender-sensitive care within crisis helplines.

Healthcare practitioners' views of self-harm management practices in older adults in Ireland: A qualitative study.

To explore healthcare practitioners' views on management practices of self-harm in older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare practitioners, including consultant psychiatrists, general practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, clinical nurse specialists and social workers. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants in the Republic of Ireland ensuring diverse perspectives of healthcare practitioners were included. Healthcare practitioners were recruited advertising via professional and clinical research networks, social media, and snowballing methods. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We conducted interviews with 20 healthcare practitioners from April to July 2023. Three main themes were generated: first, a perceived greater risk of suicide, and increased awareness of complexity in older adults' self-harm presentations. Second, integrated care as an avenue for improving the management of self-harm in older adults. Third, the importance of safety planning in risk assessments of older adults. Healthcare practitioners viewed self-harm in older adults as complex, challenging, and associated with high suicide risk, approaching patients with care and caution. The need for integrated support and improved collaboration between relevant healthcare practitioners was identified. Suggestions were made for primary care having a lead role in identifying and managing older adults after self-harm. Increased mental health promotion and awareness of mental health and self-harm in this age group would help address current stigma and shame.

Factors associated with suicide risk and attempts in healthcare students: A cross-sectional study.

Suicide deaths in young people have been increasing in recent decades and are considered a major public health problem worldwide, being a partially preventable event. The prevalence of suicidal ideation is high among university students, especially in health careers. The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of high suicidal risk in this specific group and to identify associated factors, aiming to provide empirical evidence for the construction of effective suicide prevention strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on an online survey directed to healthcare students near the end of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to learn about the frequency of suicidal risk and its associated factors. The sample consisted of 477 students (70.8% female, mean age 21.7 ± 2.5 years) from eight healthcare majors. The data were collected in January 2021. 22.6% of the young people reported a high suicide risk on the Okasha scale, and 3.4% made a suicide attempt in the previous year. Factors associated with high suicidal risk were having a non-heterosexual orientation, an irregular academic trajectory, experiences of physical and/or psychological violence, higher levels of depressive and anxious symptomatology, as well as lower levels of social support from friends and family. Suicide risk and attempt levels are high in this group of students, and there is a group of factors that could guide more effective actions, such as support for higher-risk groups and screening to identify and provide support to young people at high suicidal risk and with mental health conditions.

Risk factors for subsequent suicidal acts among 12–25-year-old high-risk callers to a suicide prevention hotline in China: a longitudinal study

BackgroundA few previous cross-sectional studies investigated correlated factors of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among suicide prevention hotline callers; however, scarcely any evidence was from a longitudinal study. In addition, it is still unclear whether improvements in some suicide risk factors could reduce the occurrence of subsequent suicidal acts. This longitudinal study focusing on the risk factors for subsequent suicidal acts among adolescent and young adult callers with high suicide risk aims to fill this gap.MethodsThis study recruited 12–25-year-old high-risk callers to a China nationwide suicide prevention hotline. Potential risk factors, including hopefulness, psychological distress, depression, history of suicide attempts, alcohol or substance misuse, and acute life events, were examined during the index calls, and improvements in hopefulness, psychological distress, and suicide intent were assessed before ending the index calls. The recruited callers were followed up 12 months after their index calls. The primary outcome was the occurrence of suicidal acts (suicide attempts or suicide death) during follow-up. Kaplan–Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards model were used.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 271 of 1656 high-risk adolescent and young adult callers attempted suicide, and seven callers died by suicide. After adjusting for demographic variables, low hopefulness (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.03, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=[1.47, 2.80]) at the beginning of the index call was associated with a higher risk for subsequent suicidal acts, whereas improvements in psychological distress (HR = 0.61, 95%CI [0.41, 0.89]) and suicidal intent (HR = 0.56, 95%CI [0.38, 0.84]) during the index call reduced the risk of subsequent suicidal acts. In addition, alcohol or substance misuse (Model 2, HR = 1.65, 95%CI [1.11, 2.46]) and suicide attempt history(Model 1: one episode, HR = 1.96, 95%CI=[1.05, 3.66]; two or more episodes, HR = 2.81, 95%CI [1.59, 4.96]. Model 2: one episode, HR = 2.26, 95%CI [1.06, 4.82]; two or more episodes: HR = 3.28, 95%CI [1.63, 6.60]) were risk factors for subsequent suicidal acts.ConclusionsWhile suicide prevention hotline operators deliver brief psychological interventions to high-risk adolescent and young adult callers, priority should be given to callers with low hopefulness and to the alleviation of callers’ high psychological distress and suicide intent.

Risk Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Behavior in Wildland Firefighters

Introduction Wildland firefighters are posited to have a higher suicide rate than general firefighters and the general population. However, the rates and risk factors of suicide among wildland firefighters is not fully understood. Methods For this preregistered study, 564 participants were recruited from Facebook to obtain a final sample of 246 participants with valid data who were current or former wildland firefighters in the United States. Participants completed online measures of suicidal ideation, history of suicidal behaviors, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, problematic alcohol use, and occupational exposure to suicide. Results In this sample, 22% of wildland firefighters reported a history of at least one suicide attempt, and 36.7% reported current suicidal ideation. PTSD symptoms, but not problematic alcohol use or exposure to suicide, were positively associated with suicidal ideation and a history of suicide attempts. Additionally, PTSD symptoms explained significantly more variance in suicidal ideation than depression symptoms alone. Conclusions Wildland firefighters demonstrate rates of suicide attempts that exceed those of non-wildland firefighters and of the general population at large. In addition, PTSD symptoms may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) in this population. This is the largest study of STB in wildland firefighters to date.

Incidence rate and risk factors for suicide in patients with breast cancer in the USA: A surveillance, epidemiology, and end results analysis (SEER)

PurposeTo investigate suicide mortality and the related factors among female breast cancer patients in the United States. MethodsThe SEER database was used to identify 716,422 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2018 to calculate a standardized mortality rate (SMR). An analysis of risk factors for suicide death was conducted using the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk model. An estimation of suicide probability was performed through a nomogram model. ResultsCompared with the expected suicide cases (n = 155) in the general population of the United States at the corresponding period (a suicide death rate of 5.71 per 100,000 person-years), the suicide rate among 716,422 breast cancer patients was followed during 2010–2018 and showed a relatively higher rate of 9.02 per 100,000 person-years. The SMR was 1.58 (95%CI: 1.39–1.79). White and other races were nine and seven times more likely to complete suicide than Black race, respectively (aHR = 9.013, 95%CI: 3.335–24.36, P < 0.001; aHR = 7.129, 95%CI: 2.317–21.931, P = 0.001); unmarried or single patients were at higher risk than married patients (aHR = 1.693, 95%CI: 1.206–2.377, P = 0.002). Patients receiving radiotherapy (aHR = 0.731, 95%CI: 0.545–0.980, P = 0.036) were less likely to complete suicide than those who did not. ConclusionFemale breast cancer patients in the United States have a higher suicide rate than the general public, and the risk factors consist of non-black ethnicity, being single or unmarried, and not being treated with radiotherapy. As a result of this study, clinicians may be able to identify female breast cancer patients who are at high risk of suicide, thus providing appropriate psychological support at the early stage.

FarmTrend Insights: Harnessing Regression-Fuzzy Models for Farmer Economic Predictions

India, often referred to as an agricultural country, has 52% of its population engaged in agriculture. The agricultural sector's prosperity is heavily dependent on regional climatic conditions. Adverse weather events significantly impact farmers' economic stability, exacerbating existing pressures and contributing to high rates of farmer suicides. This paper proposes a novel solution: the integration of regression-fuzzy models for predicting the economic conditions of farmers. By utilizing historical weather data spanning the past decade, this model aims to forecast economic fluctuations and mortality rates among farmers. The primary objective is to reduce the mortality rate by providing accurate predictions based on weather impacts on crop production, specifically focusing on Kharif and Rabi seasons. Through the application of fuzzy clustering and rule generation, the model classifies farmers' economic conditions and assesses the influence of weather on their production. This approach offers actionable insights to enhance economic resilience and mitigate distress in the agricultural sector.

Risk factors and methods in suicides of elderly patients connected to mental health services from 1999-2024.

Suicide prevention is an important aspect of psychiatric care, with older men being a population identified at especially high suicide risk and a recent increase in suicides among older women. Using data collected by the region's quality assurance team, we examined all suicide deaths occurring between March 1999 and February 2024 in patients aged 60 years or older who were connected to the region's Addiction and Mental Health Program at the time of death. Data were analyzed to describe which factors were most commonly identified in suicides in older adults receiving mental healthcare. We also compared male and female cases to determine whether certain factors were more commonly observed in one gender. We identified 48 cases of suicide occurring in patients aged 60 or over. 60% of suicides occurred in males. Overdose and hanging were the most common suicide methods used, and all suicides occurring on inpatient units occurred via hanging. Depression was the most common diagnosis, and was diagnosed more frequently in suicides of female older adults. A greater proportion of suicides in older women were associated with previous history of suicide attempts. Our findings support many current best practices for suicide prevention in psychiatric care, including minimizing ligatures and anchor points on inpatient settings, assessing for and limiting access to means in individuals at-risk, and assessing suicide risk in hospitalized patients prior to passes and discharge. Recognition and treatment of depression remain important aspects in the treatment of older adults to prevent suicide.

One-Hour Suicide Prevention Training Makes a Difference!

Nurses and other healthcare workers in the United States are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-healthcare workers. College students also experience high suicide risk. To impact suicide prevention in these populations, a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) 1-hour gatekeeper suicide prevention training program was implemented at the University of Detroit Mercy for faculty, staff, and administrators in the College of Health Professions (N = 43). Knowledge in seven areas of suicide significantly increased after the training (p < .001). Sixteen attitudes about suicide improved; however, only two showed a statistically significant change. Results support that 1-hour QPR training can be effectively implemented in a large organization.

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Reveals High Rates of Suicidality in 602 Patients With Cleft and Craniofacial Conditions.

Little is known about rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among youth with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and other craniofacial conditions. Records of patients ages 6 and older who were administered the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Lifetime Version during routine multidisciplinary cleft or craniofacial team visits between 2019 and 2023 were examined. Demographics information, C-SSRS data, and diagnoses were assessed with statistics including t tests, the Fisher exact test, and odds ratios. A total of 1140 C-SSRS questionnaires across 602 (433 CLP and 169 craniofacial) patients with an average age of 11.2±3.7 years were included. Eighty-four (13.6%) patients endorsed lifetime suicidal ideation, 9 (1.5%) had at least one instance of suicidal behavior, 30 (5.0%) endorsed nonsuicidal self-injury, and 2 (0.3%) engaged in self-injurious behavior. Compared with CLP, those with other craniofacial conditions had similar odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior ( P ≥0.05). Compared with those with isolated cleft palates, CLP had greater odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior, though those differences were not significant ( P ≥0.05). Incidence of suicidality was unchanged before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic ( P ≥0.05). Dividing patients by sex or insurance type revealed no difference in suicidality ( P ≥0.05). Patients with CLP and craniofacial conditions have a high incidence of suicidal ideation and behavior, though levels are similar between these groups. Suicidality in these patients was not negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early identification of safety risks and psychosocial challenges through regular screening can facilitate connection with appropriate clinical interventions.

Paths of Acceptance for Parents of Trans and Non-Binary Youth: An Interview Study with Highly Affirming Parents

There is an urgent need for research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of trans and non-binary (TNB) youth, who experience high rates of stigma, bullying, suicide, substance use, discrimination, and violence. Parental support of TNB is a crucial buffer against those experiences, yet little is known about how parents arrive at a state of being supportive and affirming to their TNB child. This study aimed to understand parents’ paths of acceptance of their TNB children. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with highly affirming parents of TNB. Parents who are highly affirming of their child described their journeys, with a focus on assets and barriers to acceptance. This study provides much-needed knowledge about how parents learn to support their TNB child.

Advancing suicide prevention in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: a qualitative study.

Suicide is a significant public health problem, impacting individuals, families and communities worldwide. Effective suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach with diverse integrated interventions and collaboration across sectors, stakeholders and professions. This study aims to identify challenges, gaps and success factors in current suicide prevention efforts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, providing specific recommendations for advancement. We conducted online, semi-structured interviews with 36 suicide prevention experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, incorporating perspectives from policy, science and practice. Interviews were conducted between September 2022 and February 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Framework method. Despite progress in national strategies and coordinated efforts for suicide prevention, challenges such as resource scarcity, stigma and structural issues in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care persist. The interviewees identified several areas for advancement, including developing targeted prevention measures for men and older people, strengthening collaboration across sectors, stakeholders and professions, and increasing the involvement of individuals with lived experience. While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges in psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care, it has concurrently strengthened interest in suicide prevention among policymakers and the media. National suicide prevention strategies play a crucial role in setting priorities, raising public awareness, and guiding action. However, since most suicide prevention efforts are still predominantly health sector-driven, a more comprehensive approach is needed to promote the involvement of all relevant actors and address suicidality as a collective societal responsibility. Tailoring prevention programs for risk groups like older people and men is important, as these populations show high suicide rates and face a lack of targeted interventions. Our study underscores the importance to continuously monitor, refine and strengthen collaborative and evidence-based suicide prevention efforts.

Worldwide incidence of suicides in prison: a systematic review with meta-regression analyses

Suicide is a leading cause of death during imprisonment. This systematic review aimed to synthesise available evidence of prison suicide incidence worldwide. We systematically searched the scientific literature, data repositories, and prison system reports, supplemented by correspondence with prison administrations. We included reports on people living in prison but excluded studies in preselected groups (by age or offence type). Absolute numbers and incidence rates of suicide mortality per 100 000 person-years by sex and country were extracted from 2000 to 2021. IQRs were used to describe the suicide incidence in different world regions. Incidence rate ratios comparing suicides of people living in prison with age-standardised general populations were calculated. We conducted meta-regression analyses on national-level and prison-level factors to examine heterogeneity. The study protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021296819. We included three scientific studies, 124 official reports, and 11 datasets from email correspondence. Between 2000 and 2021, there were 29 711 reported suicides during 91·2 million person-years of imprisonment in 82 jurisdictions worldwide (sex-specific data available for 13 289 individuals: 12 544 [94·4%] male and 745 [5·6%] female individuals). There were large variations between countries, with most studies reporting suicide rates in the range of 24-89 per 100 000 person-years in both sexes (22-86 in male individuals and 25-107 in female individuals). In meta-regression analyses, Europe (vs other regions), high-income countries (vs low-income and middle-income countries), and countries with lower incarceration rates (vs those with higher incarceration rates) had higher suicide rates. Incidence rate ratios between people who are incarcerated and age-standardised general populations in the same jurisdictions were typically in the range of 1·9-6·0 in male and 10·4-32·4 in female individuals. Prison services worldwide, and particularly in Europe, should prioritise suicide prevention. Assessment and management of suicide risk in female individuals living in prison need particular attention due to excess mortality relative to community-based populations. Interpretation of synthesised data needs to be done with caution due to high heterogeneity between jurisdictions. Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Economic and Social Research Council, and Wellcome Trust.

Is serum homocysteine level a biomarker of suicide attempts: A preliminary study

Suicide is a global public health concern, and understanding its multifaceted determinants is crucial for effective prevention. This study was designed to find an answer to the question of whether serum homocysteine level can be a biomarker of suicide attempts. This preliminary study involving 90 participants (45 suicide attempt cases and 45 controls) was conducted at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and ROC analysis, were employed to explore differences between groups and assess the diagnostic potential of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels were found in individuals who attempted suicide compared to the control group (p= <0.001). Additionally, lower levels of vitamin B12 (p=<0.001) and folic acid (p=<0.001) were observed in the suicide attempt group. ROC analysis indicated a significant diagnostic potential for homocysteine in predicting suicide attempts (AUC = 0.845, sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 71%). This study establishes a significant association between high homocysteine levels and suicide attempts, accompanied by lower vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The findings suggest a potential link between disturbances in homocysteine metabolism and suicidal tendencies, urging further research to establish causation and explore therapeutic implications. Consideration of the study's limitations and directions for future research are warranted.

Men's Suicide in Bangladesh: Impressions From the Socio-Ecological System Theory.

Suicide is a multilayered social behaviour containing overlapping components from individual to social spheres. This article discusses the findings of the context of male suicide in Bangladesh based on Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory. The socio-ecological perspective allows to determine the risk factors of suicide at multiple levels. Fifteen male suicide cases were purposively selected from several rural areas of the Jhenaidah district which is known for high rates of suicide. Qualitative in-depth interviews (three for each case) with persons who are significant others to the deceased delineate the interactive context of suicide. While the analysis deductively hinges on four major themes (e.g., individual/micro, interpersonal/meso, community/exo, and societal/macro factors) in consonance with socio-ecological theory, ten sub-themes were inductively identified from the intriguing meanings of the interviews. Considering the integrative nature of suicide, the study underscores the necessity to introduce a multi-sectoral approach to effectively prevent suicide in Bangladesh.

The Role of the Media and Self-Compassion in Enhancing Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Nigerian Youth: A Literature Review

In this review, we examine the impact of media and self-compassion on the mental well-being of Nigerian youth, particularly in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Nigeria faces socioeconomic challenges contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates among young people. Despite this, the influence of media and self-compassion interventions on mental health remains largely unexplored. The research questions centred on how media exposure enhances mental health awareness and resilience building, as well as the role of self-compassion in preventing suicide. Seven studies employing various methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and experimental designs were identified from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and were analysed. The results indicated the significant role of media in health communication and education, while self-compassion interventions show promise in enhancing mental health resilience. Recommendations include utilising media for mental health education and support services, particularly targeting youth. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and educational institutions to integrate media-based mental health interventions into their strategies.