Mental Health Survey: Half Respondents Know Someone Who Died By Suicide Or Someone Who Thought About It
Trigger warning: this article features a discussion on suicide
One in two people knows someone who died by suicide, according to a recent Lovin Malta survey.
In a collaboration with Richmond Foundation, Lovin Malta surveyed 220 people living in Malta about suicide, to raise awareness on the serious subject that is still shrouded in taboo.
Out of the hundreds that took part, exactly half (110 people) said that someone they knew had died by suicide.
Worryingly, more than half 56% said they knew someone who opened up about suicidal thoughts, while 85 people said they knew someone who attempted but didn’t die.
Just 11% of respondents said they didn’t know anyone who has thought about or died by suicide, while 8% refused to answer.
Women made up the close majority of respondents, totalling 56% of this survey. Meanwhile, men made up 42% while 1.4% identified themselves as non-binary.
The most common age was between 26-35 (33%), followed by 36-45 year-olds at 25%. Those 46 upward totalled 30%, while young people between 16 and 25 made up the remaining 10%.
And while this survey is not an accurate representation of the island, these figures are still pressing enough to take seriously.
Suicide doesn’t know gender, but in Malta, the issue overwhelmingly affects men.
In fact, almost 80% of suicides are men in Malta, figures released in 2022 show.
This percentage echoes global trends. In the UK, more than three-quarters of suicide victims are men, while in the US, it stands at 79%.
Theories behind these numbers vary, but one common explanation is the financial and societal pressures placed upon men. Recurring stereotypes about men who open up about their own mental battles also hinders their ability to seek help.
On the other hand, women seem to suffer more from mental issues than men.
The University of Pennsylvania found that overall rates of mental health disorders tend to be around 20% to 40% higher for women than for men.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know you are not alone. Please reach out for help from professionals and loved ones.
Persons who are in crisis can approach the Accident and Emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital or Primary Health Department and seek help from Mental Health Service professionals.
People passing through difficult moments and contemplating Suicide, as well as survivors of these tragic events, can seek help from available services: Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic (SPOT) services by appointment on 2122 8333 (Victim Support Malta), Supportline 179 (FSWS) and 1770 (Richmond Foundation).
Anonymous chats such as kellimni.com, Olli chat or Krizi are also an option. One can contact the family doctor or health centre or by speaking to a person of trust.
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