November Records Highest Number of Suicidal Behavior and Self-Harming Cases Last Year

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has disclosed the 2023 statistics on reported cases of suicidal behavior and self-harming incidents, revealing that the highest number of cases occurred in November, totaling 45.

In January, the reported cases of suicidal behavior were 4 among females and 1 among males. Meanwhile, self-harming incidents accounted for 5 cases among females and 2 among males. February saw a slight decrease in suicidal behavior cases, with 3 females and 1 male, while self-harming cases dropped to 4 among females, and males reported no incidents.

March recorded 3 cases of suicidal behavior in females and 1 in males. Self-harming incidents increased to 6 among females, while males reported none. In April, there was a rise in both suicidal behavior and self-harming cases, with females reporting 4 and 6 cases, respectively, and males reporting 2 and 1 cases.

May marked a significant increase in reported cases, with 8 instances of suicidal behavior among females and 4 among males. Self-harming cases also rose to 4 among females and 1 among males. In June, females reported 6 cases of suicidal behavior and 3 cases of self-harming, while males reported 1 case in each category.

July witnessed a decline in both suicidal behavior and self-harming incidents, with 1 case reported by females and none by males in either category. August showed a slight increase, with females reporting 2 cases of suicidal behavior and 4 cases of self-harming, while males reported 1 case in both categories.

September recorded a higher number of cases, particularly among females, with 7 instances of suicidal behavior and none for self-harming. In October, females reported 3 cases of suicidal behavior and 4 cases of self-harming, while males reported 2 cases of suicidal behavior and 4 cases of self-harming.

November saw a notable spike in cases, with females reporting 7 instances of suicidal behavior and 12 of self-harming. Males reported 3 cases of suicidal behavior and 3 of self-harming.

In total, the monthly figures for 2023 are as follows: January (17 cases), February (8 cases), March (12 cases), April (17 cases), May (31 cases), June (17 cases), July (5 cases), August (12 cases), September (14 cases), October (21 cases), and November (45 cases). 

These statistics underscore the need for ongoing awareness and support for mental health issues within the community, emphasising the Ministry’s commitment to addressing these challenges for a safer and healthier environment.