Suicide Prevention
-Automatic translation
The Directorate of Health's activities in suicide prevention include following up on the action plan to reduce the number of suicides (Icelandic), which was approved by the Minister of Health in 2018.
Lífsbrú - Centre for Suicide Prevention, which operates under the auspices of the Directorate of Health, is the government's professional adviser in collaboration with the Council on Suicide Prevention. Lífsbrú promotes cooperation among those working on the issue domestically and abroad. Lífsbrú, Centre for Suicide Prevention, monitors research, produces educational materials for the general public and professionals, and promotes awareness of the issue.
Action plan to reduce the number of suicides in Iceland
The action plan includes over 50 actions in 6 sections:
Promoting mental health and resilience in the community
Quality mental health services
Limitation of access to dangerous substances, objects, and conditions
Actions to reduce risk among specific groups at risk
Support for relatives and survivors
Increasing knowledge in the field of suicide and suicide prevention
Most actions are the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. The action plan status is that several actions have been completed; some are in progress, and others are on hold.
About Suicide
Suicide prevention can be complicated, as there are many risk factors, and physical, environmental, and social factors interact. The background and reason behind each suicide differ, as each individual's story is unique. Social situations, sudden trauma, losses or long-term stress, personality traits that may be characterised by anger and impulsivity, excessive alcohol and drug use, depression, and/or extreme anxiety and distress can play a role.
Statistics
Suicides are relatively rare compared to the largest categories of causes of death. In the past decade, the annual number of suicides in Iceland has been between 34–49. See more statistics on suicides.
Suicide is generally more common among men than women, while the frequency of suicide attempts is higher among women and younger age groups. However, self-harm and suicide attempts are known risk factors for suicide, emphasising the importance of individuals receiving good support, follow-up, and appropriate treatment following a suicide attempt.
Related material
Action plan to reduce the number of suicides in Iceland. Published in 2018. (Icelandic)
Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among Icelandic youth. Published 2018 (Icelandic)
Checklist - Safety in psychiatric wards, treatment, and residential facilities for individuals assessed as dangerous to themselves and others. Published 2023. (Icelandic)
Sudden Death. Plan for workplaces. Published 2022 (Icelandic)
Loss of relatives in suicides. Self-help manual for relatives. Published 2023 (Icelandic)
Finding the words: How to support someone bereaved and affected by suicide. Published 2023. (Icelandic)
Sjálfsvíg.is Support for those who have suicidal thoughts, relatives, and survivors of suicide (Icelandic)
Criteria for reducing stigmatising discussion of mental health issues in the media (Icelandic)
Suicide prevention: Implementation of SUPRA in Iceland. Poster. Published 2023 (Icelandic)
Service provider
Directorate of Health