Buth Reaksmey Kongkea / Khmer Times

Synopsis: More than 720,000 people die globally by suicide, with 77% of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth in the world, with a person dying by suicide every 40 seconds. Such prevalence demonstrates that it is not an individual problem but a societal problem that requires a multi-sectoral response, health experts said.

World Health Organization Acting Team Lead Dr Ada Moadsiri said suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds in the world.

She said more than 720,000 people die globally due to suicide, with 77% of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Dr Moadsiri said studies showed many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses such as financial problems, relationship break-up, and chronic pain and illness.

Other risk factors for suicidal ideation are conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss, a sense of isolation and a previous suicide attempt, she said.

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“In Cambodia, as in other Southeast Asian countries, suicide, especially among young men, is a major public health crisis, exposing gaps in mental healthcare and worsening socioeconomic pressures,” she told the participants of a training workshop for “Responsible Suicide Reporting for Media Professionals” on Wednesday in Phnom Penh.

“In 2024, hospitals across the country recorded at least 212 suicide cases, according to the Health Ministry. Men made up 79% of the cases, most of the cases in Phnom Penh,” she said.

She said the media play a crucial role in suicide and self-harm prevention. “Responsible reporting of suicide may contribute to the prevention of suicide.”

Dr Sin Eap, Head of Bureau Planning and Policy of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, said government data showed there were 149 cases of suicide in Cambodia this year.

According to figures from the Health Ministry, most of the suicides (47%) occurred in Phnom Penh, 10% in Battambang province, 8% in Kandal province and 6% in Banteay Meanchey province.

They showed the deaths were by hanging (56%), jumping off a bridge (27%), jumping off a building (8%), violence (5%), self-immolation (2%), and drug overdose (1%), he added. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16267