Shocking numbers: Suicides in Hesse are increasing worrying!

Shocking numbers: Suicides in Hesse are increasing worrying!

Stefan Putz from the psychosocial contact and advice center "Die Brücke" in Bad Hersfeld has been observing a worrying increase in suicidal thoughts among his clients for some time. Those who are affected by mental illnesses, unemployment or severe trauma often express thoughts of suicide in his consultations. In 2023, a total of 811 people in Hesse put an end to their lives through suicide, which brings the federal state to fifth place in Germany with regard to suicide statistics. The figures show that the topic of suicide prevention is an urgent social challenge.

Aktuell takes place in North Hesse, a week of suicide prevention, which was initiated by the network around Professor Reinhard Lindner from the University of Kassel. 40 institutions from the region are involved this week to draw attention to the topic. Unfortunately, network partners from the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district have so far been missing. Putz and his colleagues have developed a guide to recognize risk factors at an early stage and help affected people appropriately. According to plaster, clients show two to three times a year in the course of a consultation.

suicide rates and risk factors

In a nationwide comparison, the numbers show that 10,304 people in Germany committed suicide in Germany - this is more than three times as much as the number of traffic fatalities that were 2,839. The suicide rate in older men is particularly worrying: from the age of 70, the number of suicides increases, while the total number of all suicides in German -landing. A high risk is observed, especially in men over 80 years. In 2022 the average age of the suicide victims was 60.7 years.

The causes of suicidal thoughts are diverse and range from mental illnesses - such as depression, addiction disorders and anxiety disorders - to life crises such as loss, loneliness and a lack of life in life. Professor Dr. Martin Teising refers to the long -term trauma that suicides not only cause those affected, but also for relatives. However, he sees positive developments in the falling suicide rate and political initiatives for suicide prevention.

legislative initiatives and future perspectives

The proposals for new legal regulations include improved financing of advice centers and the introduction of a uniform crisis number in order to offer those affected to faster and uncomplicated support. Open conversations about suicidal thoughts can be dismantled, which is often subject to this topic. The number of suicides is generally assessed as higher than the official statistics.

Comprehensive education and sensitization are necessary to take the shyness of those affected, to talk about their thoughts. Statistics show that over six people are directly affected by every suicide - these also include relatives and friends. Influential professional groups that are regularly confronted with suicide also need support to cope with the psychosocial consequences. One of the main objectives of the current prevention measures is to encourage people to look for help at an early stage.

In this context, make the suicide prevention.de aware of the urgency of preventive actions. Such measures could not only lower the number of suicides, but also have a long -term positive effects on society as a whole.