Cyprus has the lowest suicide level in the European Union among young people aged 15-29 years. Despite this indicator, parents and relatives must be aware of the signs of suicidal moods in order to take measures in time and prevent the most terrible.
In 2022, 5017 young residents of the European Union aged 15 to 29 died as a result of their deliberate injuries. Compared to 2011, this indicator decreased by 20% or 1248 deaths. However, young people under 30 remain the most vulnerable category - if among the entire population the suicide was the cause of one of the hundred deaths, then among people aged 15 to 29, every sixth death had its cause of suicide.
Suicide is the second most common cause of death among youth under 29 years (after death as a result of an accident).
The most vulnerable group is 25–29 years old
Young people older than 20 more often take their lives than teenagers of 15-19 years old. The highest common mortality rate from suicide among youth in the EU was registered among people aged 25-29 years (8.3 cases per 100,000 people). For people 20-24 years old, the indicator is 7.7 suicides per 100,000 people, for adolescents 15-19 years old-4.4 suicides per 100,000 people.
Since 2011, mortality rates associated with intentional acquisition have been reduced. In the age group 25-29 years-by 1.2 percentage points (in 2011 it was 9.5%), in a group from 20 to 24 years-by 1.1 percentage points. (from 8.8% in 2011). In a group of 15 to 19 years, the difference is less - by 0.4 percentage points. (4.8% in 2011).
In Cyprus - the least in the EU
In Slovenia, the highest level of mortality was registered as a result of suicides among adolescents and young adults - 18.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It is followed by Lithuania (18.2) and Hungary (16.7). At the opposite end of the scale was Cyprus, where the lowest mortality rate from suicide (4.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), as well as Greece (4.6) and Malta (5.2) were recorded.
In 2022, 49,042 people of all ages died in the EU as a result of suicide. Compared to 2021, the number of deaths among the entire population as a result of intentional acquaintance increased by 1696.
How to recognize suicidal thoughts and inclinations?
In adolescents 15-19 years old and young adults under 29 years old, this can be done, given the age -related psychological characteristics, social environment and ways to express emotions.
Teenagers are often emotionally unstable and impulsive. They are actively focused on the opinion of peers and are in the process of searching for their own identity, often feeling a misunderstanding from adults. Suicidal thoughts can manifest themselves through talk about death, phrases like “I want to disappear” or “I'm tired of everything”, as well as through jokes and posts in social networks on the topic of death. In the field of emotions, adolescents demonstrate sharp mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, a sense of hopelessness, unnecessary, guilt. Behavely, this can be expressed in isolation from friends and family, loss of interest in hobbies and study, self -overlap or alcohol and drug use. The peculiarity of adolescents lies in high impulsiveness - even a small stressful situation can provoke a suicide attempt.
In young adults of 20–29 years, manifestations of suicidal inclinations have other features. At this age, the personality is better formed, but the pressure of social, professional and personal responsibility increases. Problems with a career, relationship or financial independence can increase stress. This is verbally expressed through the phrases “I can’t cope anymore”, “my life is meaningless” or indirect hints of death. Emotionally, apathy, depression, a sense of emptiness, social isolation and a sense of constant failure are observed. In behaviorally, this can be manifested in the refusal of work or study, isolation from friends and family, increased use of alcohol or drugs, risky behavior, as well as in preparation for “care”. Hidden signals include a systematic discussion of death as a way out of problems and the rejection of plans for the future. Unlike adolescents, young adults often act not impulsively, but thoughtfully, sometimes carefully Preparing for a suicide attempt.
The text is prepared based on Eurostat materials
