2012 recorded a total of 6,159 suicide attempts in Israel
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Israeli hospitals see rise in suicide attempts
New immigrants, divorced and older people are at a higher risk of committing suicide in Israel, according to data presented by mental health association.
New immigrants, divorced people and older people are at a higher risk of committing suicide in Israel, according to figures released by Enosh – The Israeli Association for Mental Health as it marks Mental Health Month in Israel.
Some 400 suicides a year were recorded in Israel until 2009. The highest frequency of suicides is usually seen in the month of January and on Sundays compared to the rest of days of the week.
Although the suicide rate in Israel is lower than the average rate in most European countries, 2012 recorded a total of 6,159 suicide attempts, according to data obtained from Israeli hospitals' emergency rooms – an increase compared to the average rate recorded from 2004 to 2012.
Death in Israel
Study conducted between 2000-2011 shows cancer is biggest cause of death in Israel, killing 133 people per 100,000 every year.
Forty percent of people who committed suicide had visited their family physician in the previous month.
13% repeat suicide attempt with 2 years
According to the data, which were presented during a discussion at the Knesset's Labor, Welfare and Health Committee, new immigrants are the population group with the highest suicide rate in Israel – about one-third of suicides are performed by olim. Some 25% of them are immigrants from the former Soviet Union who arrived in Israel after 1990, and 3-8% of them are immigrants from Ethiopia who arrived in the country after 1980.
The suicide rate among married people aged 24-64 is lower compared to non-married people, both among men and among women.
The suicide rate among divorced men and women aged 25-44 is higher than among married and single people: 8.2 time more than married people and 1.9 times more than single people among men. Among divorced women, the suicide rate is 5.6 times more than among married women and 0.9 times more than among single women.
The suicide rate increases with age, especially among men, and the suicide rate among people under the age of 45 is lower than the suicide rate among people over the age of 75 (22%).
The figures further reveal that 13% of those who were treated at ERs following a suicide attempt between 2004-2010 tried to commit suicide again at least once within two years. Nine percent attempted suicide twice and 4% attempted it three times or more. About half of the repeated attempts take place in the six month after the first suicide attempt.
"The figures show that this is one of the most important issues the state must allot resources to," says Enosh Executive Director Dr. Hila Hadas. "The number of people who manage to commit suicide every year has surpassed the number of people killed in road accidents in the past three years. Although the state has begun addressing the issue and working on a suicide prevention plan, this issue should be made a top priority.
"According to our estimates, there are at least four failed suicide attempt for every 'successful' attempt. These are alarming figures, and the required resources must be allotted to information and prevention programs."
Warning signs
Israeli psychiatrist Dr. Ilan Tal says there are several warning signs of major depression which we should pay attention to:
- Appetite changes: Loss of appetite or over-eating.
- Mood swings: Feeling sad, losing interest and enjoyment in activities.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of concentration.
- Talking about life being pointless and having no reason to live, etc.
"If you detect this signs of distress in yourself, a friend or a relative, you should seek help from a professional," says Dr. Tal.
"People are afraid to get help because they don't want to be hospitalized, so it's very important to stress that our main goal as professionals is to help the treatment through conversations and medications if needed, and do it as close as possible to the patient's natural surroundings."
The Enosh association will hold its annual fundraiser at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices range from NIS 180 to NIS 1,000 ($47-262). For information and tickets please call 972-54-9299696 or visit the association's website .
