33 steps to prevent suicide in Luxembourg

One in every 50 deaths in Luxembourg is caused by suicide, Luxembourg's health ministry revealed on Wednesday while outlining the country's first suicide prevention plan.

The plan for the period of 2015 to 2019, is based on the Australian strategy for preventing suicides, which has since been applied in Ireland and New Zealand.

It contains 33 measures, many of which are focused on understanding the causes of suicides in order to implement targeted suicide prevention measures.

They include mental health campaigns in work places, the commissioning of studies of psychological autopsies and the creation of a national register to record deaths from suicide and suicide attempts.

In schools, the plan calls on teachers to have an alert system, whereby staff are able to notify appropriate authorities if they recognise suicide warning signs in learners.

In care homes, meanwhile, care workers and health professionals will be made aware of the increased suicide risk among elderly people who have lost their autonomy.

Outlining the measures on Wednesday, Luxembourg Health Minister Lydia Mutsch revealed that 85 people took their own lives in Luxembourg in 2014.

Men more likely to take own lives

The highest proportion of suicides was recorded among seniors aged 80 to 84, who were six times more likely to take their lives than 15 to 19-year-olds.

Records show that men in Luxembourg were three times more likely than women to commit suicide, namely because generally men were less inclined to seek help to deal with the problems which can lead to suicide.

According to ministry figures, 276 women and 741 men took their own lives in Luxembourg between 2000 and 2013.

Regardless of age, men were found to be more likely to commit suicide. The ratio was highest among 15 to 19-year-olds where they were six times more likely to take their own lives.

Among 55 to 69-year-olds, men were twice as likely as women to commit suicide.

Getting help

If you know of anyone who may be experiencing suicidal feelings, advise them to seek help from a friend or professional.

Free telephone advice can be sought by calling SOS Détresse (in Luxembourg) on 45 45 45 (from 3pm to 11pm and at weekends from 11pm to 7am.

People at risk are urged to avoid spending time alone, to try to do a relaxing activity like yoga or jogging and to come up with a personal crisis plan listing helpful, calming activities and useful contacts in case of a crisis. 

More detailed advice can be found by visiting www.mind.org.uk

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