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A comprehensive analysis of suicide data from 26 countries, published by The BMJ, has revealed that the risk of suicide is highest on Mondays and increases significantly on New Year’s Day, while the patterns of suicide risk on weekends and Christmas vary depending on the region. The study provides critical insights that can shape more effective suicide prevention strategies and awareness campaigns.
Key Findings from the Study
The World Health Organization reported that more than 700,000 people died by suicide in 2019, representing approximately 1.3% of all global deaths. This figure surpasses the number of deaths caused by malaria, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer. Previous studies have shown variations in suicide risk by the day of the week, but data on the impact of major holidays remained limited.
To better understand these patterns, researchers analyzed data from the Multi-city Multi-country Collaborative Research Network, examining 1.7 million suicides recorded between 1971 and 2019 across 740 locations in 26 countries. The study covered countries from diverse regions, including Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa, shedding light on global trends in suicide risk.
Monday Blues: A Global Phenomenon
One of the study’s most notable findings is that suicide risk peaks on Mondays. Across all countries in the analysis, approximately 15-18% of suicides occurred on Mondays, the highest percentage for any weekday. The researchers suggest that the beginning of the workweek may trigger stress and anxiety, particularly in men and younger individuals, driving the increased risk.
Holiday Risks: New Year’s Day Stands Out
The analysis found a significant increase in suicide risk on New Year’s Day across all countries, with men being particularly affected. Researchers theorize that higher rates of alcohol consumption and the emotional weight of reflecting on the past year may contribute to the surge in suicides at this time.
Interestingly, the impact of Christmas on suicide risk varied by region. In North America and Europe, there was generally a decreased risk of suicide on Christmas Day, possibly due to the protective effects of social gatherings and festivities. However, countries in Central and South America, as well as South Africa, saw a marginal increase in suicide risk around Christmas.
In East Asia, where the Lunar New Year is a major celebration, suicide risk was mostly stable, except in South Korea, which recorded a decrease in suicides during this holiday. The findings point to the need for further research into cultural and regional factors that influence suicide risk.
Weekend Patterns Vary Across Regions
The study revealed mixed results regarding suicide risk on weekends. In many countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, suicide risks were lowest on Saturdays and Sundays. In contrast, countries in South and Central America, Finland, and South Africa reported increased suicide rates during weekends, suggesting that cultural and regional differences influence these patterns.
Implications for Suicide Prevention
The researchers emphasize that these findings provide new insights at a global level and could inform more targeted suicide prevention programs. By understanding how suicide risk fluctuates based on the day of the week and during holidays, policymakers and healthcare providers can design timely interventions, such as mental health support services, particularly around New Year’s Day and Mondays.
The authors also highlight some limitations of the study, including possible underreporting or misclassification of suicides in certain countries and the inability to assess the specific impacts of different types of holidays, such as festivals or memorial days. Nonetheless, they believe the study’s large scale offers valuable evidence that can enhance global efforts to reduce suicide rates.
For further information, the study can be accessed in The BMJ under the title, “Association of holidays and the day of the week with suicide risk: multicountry, two stage, time series study” (DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-077262).
