Suicide and Suicide Prevention From a Global Perspective

Suicide is one of the most personal yet one of the most complex acts people can engage in. It continues to be a major global public health problem with an estimated 800,000 deaths annually. Suicide prevention is an important target in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, which aim to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one-third. Suicide is a global problem, but what differences are there in the challenges faced and the solutions found regionally?Written by leading experts, the nine chapters of this volume provide a clear outline of the major milestones and achievements so far in six different geographical regions using the data collated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, as well as information on the recent progress in the development and implementation of national suicide prevention programs in different countries. In two concluding chapters, the evidence base and best practice of suicide prevention programs are reviewed, as well as the future directions for suicide prevention at the global level.This book is essential reading for all those involved in suicide research and prevention as well as public health policy and epidemiology who want to keep up-to-date with the latest global developments.