Important Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Internationally, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide can provide contact information for crisis centers worldwide.
While many people view New Year’s Day as a time for reflection or new beginnings, for others, it can bring about darker emotions, as highlighted in a recent extensive study. According to the World Health Organization, over 700,000 deaths by suicide were reported globally in 2019, accounting for approximately 1.3% of all deaths that year.
The study aimed to explore how suicide risk may fluctuate based on the day of the week or during holidays. Analyzing data from more than 1.7 million suicides across 740 locations in 26 countries from 1971 to 2019, the researchers found that Mondays and New Year’s Day were associated with a higher risk of suicide in most countries. Dr. Yoonhee Kim, the lead author of the study published in The BMJ, noted that Mondays accounted for around 15% to 18% of suicides. Interestingly, the risk on Christmas was found to be less consistent and varied by region.
In contrast, national holidays, excluding New Year’s Day and Christmas, tended to be linked to a lower risk of suicide, except in Central and South American countries. Men were especially at risk on New Year’s Day. The study revealed that South Korea, Japan, South Africa, and Estonia had the highest suicide rates, while the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and Paraguay reported the lowest rates.
On weekends, suicide risk was generally lower in many North American, Asian, and European countries, but notably higher in Finland, South Africa, and Central and South American nations. Experts emphasize that while this study contributes to discussions on suicide prevention, it is essential to recognize that there are numerous factors influencing suicide risk beyond the day of the week or holidays.
The holidays can evoke feelings of societal expectations, heightened stress, substance use, and painful memories, which may contribute to increased suicide risk, according to Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The study suggests that spikes in suicide rates on New Year’s Day and Mondays could be linked to the “broken-promise effect theory,” where individuals delay suicide attempts until after the holidays, only to feel overwhelmed when faced with renewed hopelessness.
However, experts caution that the study has limitations, such as combining multiple holidays and data sources, which may affect the generalizability of the conclusions. It is crucial to consider a holistic approach to suicide prevention beyond specific days or events. Remember, help is available for those in need.
Data from 2001 to 2006 shows a disparity in mortality trends due to privacy concerns leading to the discontinuation of providing the date of death by the US National Center for Health Statistics since the 2010s. This information comes from a study that also highlights the focus on relative risk of suicide, such as analyzing New Year’s Day compared to surrounding days. However, absolute risk, based on a comprehensive review of daily suicides throughout the year, is considered more reliable.
The study acknowledges a lack of sufficient data for rural areas where reported suicide rates tend to be higher. While national suicide prevention strategies are essential, tailoring approaches to specific community needs is crucial for effective intervention. The results may also be influenced by seasonal affective disorder, contributing to lower moods during the winter months.
For individuals struggling with mental health during the holiday season, self-care and seeking professional help are recommended. Social support, healthy lifestyle habits, and avoiding negative influences are emphasized. Helplines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer confidential support, and joining support groups can provide comfort.
Maintaining faith, spirituality, or a sense of purpose in life can foster hope and resilience. Recognizing suicide risk factors and warning signs is crucial in supporting those in need. Immediate intervention and consistent communication are vital in preventing suicide, particularly during holidays and other stressful times.
Warning signs of suicide include orders, especially when untreated; familial or personal history of suicide; job or financial loss; relationship problems or loss; loss of interest in activities or school; prolonged stress from other causes; easy access to potentially fatal means; insufficient social support or sense of isolation. However, not every person considering suicide exhibits these signs.
“Talking openly about suicide does not plant the idea,” Klich said. “Instead, it opens the door to a conversation that can prevent a tragedy.”
