Spotlight on suicide prevention
Every day, about four people in Sweden choose to die by their own hand, as a result of hopelessness and despair. Many more make attempts to commit suicide, but their lives are saved. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are investigating why suicide rates are not declining, and what can be done both to lower the risk of suicide and prevent people from taking the last irreversible step.
Hold on and hold out – save more people from suicide
Approximately 1,500 Swedes commit suicide each year. Although major efforts are being made to save more of those who see death as the only way out, much remains to be done.
"The most important thing is to have the courage to deal with the issue”
"I felt like I was the big idiot”
“I lied to everyone about how dad died”
Increased suicide risk among unaccompanied refugee minors
In a report, researchers at KI have concluded that the risk of suicide among unaccompanied refugee minors and young adults in 2017 was nine times higher than the equivalent figure for the same age group in the Swedish population.
The US is bucking the trend for suicide
Bo Runeson is a clinical psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet. He has conducted a fresh overview of suicide from a global perspective.
COVID-19 offers the opportunity to study a unique natural experiment
Danuta Wasserman is a professor of suicidology and head of the NASP at Karolinska Institutet. She has instigated a global research project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facts about young people and suicide
It is relatively common for teenagers to think about suicide and existential issues. But if such thoughts lead to a suicide attempt, they must be taken extremely seriously as an expression of severe emotional problems.
Other organisations
Mind suicide hotline
If you think about taking your own life or if you have a family member or a friend who talks about it – Mind suicide hotline is for you. The hotline can be reached in Sweden by phone, chat or email. Please note, the website is in Swedish.
The Public Health Agency
Find information and statistics about suicide and suicide prevention in Sweden. The Swedish Public Health Agency is responsible for monitoring, developing and disseminating knowledge to prevent suicide.