Suicide prevention

Statistics on suicide mortality have been compiled in Finland since 1751. This database forms the longest uninterrupted time series on suicide mortality in the world. Suicide mortality rates have been decreasing since 1990 (see Figure).

Two nationwide interventions for suicide prevention have been acted: the first one in 1986–1996, the second one in 2020–2030. The trend toward better began during the former one.

The decreasing numbers of deaths from suicide cannot be expected to continue without any specific measure for prevention. There might be increases in numbers of suicides if the current suicide prevention measures lose their effectiveness. Suicide prevention requires amendment to the existing actions as well as development of new approaches. Policies which promote mental health and reduce mental health inequalities are also likely to prevent suicides. Suicide prevention programme is part of the national mental health strategy from 2020 to 2030.

Further reading

• National Mental Health Strategy and Programme for Suicide Prevention 2020–2030
• Current Care Summary on treatment of suicidal patient and suicide prevention in health care
• Country report

Futher information

Timo Partonen
MD, research professor 
THL
[email protected]