Statistics have revealed that suicide rates in the Czech Republic have been on the rise, particularly among younger age groups. In 2022, 1,302 individuals took their own lives, marking an increase from previous years when these numbers were decreasing. Experts attribute this surge to a combination of factors, including unemployment, inflation, the availability of mental health services, societal climate, and the quality of personal relationships.

Suicide is often the result of a complex interplay of various factors. According to Alexandr Kasal from the National Institute of Mental Health (NÚDZ), “It is important to realize that suicide is usually not caused by a single factor, but rather by their combination.”

The suicide rate has increased by 6.5% compared to previous years, with the highest number of suicides occurring in the age group of 45 to 49, where 148 people took their own lives. Additionally, more than 100 suicides were recorded in the age groups of 40 to 44, 55 to 58, and 65 to 69.

The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the economy have exacerbated the situation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are up to fifteen suicide attempts for every completed suicide. In the Czech Republic, over 3,000 people are hospitalized annually due to intentional self-harm, with teenagers and young adults being the most common age groups affected.

To address this issue, experts are expanding information and resources on platforms like sebevrazdy.cz, which offers a chat advisory service from Monday to Friday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The National Institute of Mental Health is also engaged in activities aimed at countering prejudice, providing relevant information, and offering practical assistance.

To raise awareness and provide support, the National Institute of Mental Health, in collaboration with the organization Cesta domů, has organized a discussion and procession for suicide survivors on September 12, 2023, at 5 p.m. at Prague’s Bio Oko. This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, is “Creating Hope Through Action.”

Article by Prague Forum