Men are more affected by suicide

« Suicide is a sad topic that has accompanied humanity for ages, » wrote MP Marc Goergen (pirates) in his parliamentary question to Health Minister Martine Drez (CSV). Nevertheless, it is important to tackle the topic politically, because suicide is an expression of health, economic and social problems.

Because men generally have a higher suicide rate than women. In 2023, 36 men and twelve women committed suicide. The MP Goergen is reminiscent of the state's duty to identify people with increased risk of suicide. In this context, strengthening mental resistance and an appropriate range of mental health are of fundamental importance.

Suicide mortality of 6.3 per 100,000 inhabitants

Deprez replies to the parliamentary question in the past year. In 2023, 48 people committed suicide through self -inflicted injuries. This corresponds to a suicide mortality of 6.3 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The “Plan National Prévention Suicide” shows that young and older people in particular have an increased suicide rate. Even if various factors have been identified, the evaluation of the individual factors remains complicated due to possible interactions such as disabilities, chronic illness or poverty.

Studies would also show that there are protective factors such as self -confidence, social skills, positive and constructive interpersonal relationships, personal and professional perspectives and much more. If a person feels as a burden and no longer feels involved in a social network, the risk increases.

Number of places was increased

A lot has already happened in the suicide prevention: the training for suicide prevention for school staff, young people and everyone who wants to deal with the signs of deterioration in mental health has been expanded. There are currently 6,909 first aiders who are trained in the field of mental health. That is almost 6,000 more than at the time of evaluating the plan for suicide prevention in 2020.

Information campaigns on the subject of suicide were also carried out. 71 partners took part in the week of mental health from October 7th to 20th and organized 134 events under the motto « Soutenir Les Jeunes, Constuire L'Avenir ».

In order to continue to improve prevention in the future, the Consil Scientifique Du Domaine de la Santé 2021 has published a recommendation to general practitioners. It mentions tests with which psychosocial risks and addicts can be assessed in young people. Because this can be a sign of dissatisfaction and thus a risk of suicide.

The number of places in the « Service National de Psychiatrie Juvénile » (SNPJ) was increased from 35 beds to 45 beds in 2018. The SNPJ treats young people between the ages of 13 and 18 with mental disorders.

The SNPJ is represented in several hospitals. There is an acute station in the Kirchberg hospital, a psychotherapeutic station and a day clinic. There will also be in the Clinique Sainte-Marie in Esch/Alzette until May, When the facility finally closesa day clinic of the SNPJ. After that, the service should continue to be offered. In Luxembourg city there is a service for early detection and early intervention for young people with mental health problems at the train station.