Newsroom
Suicide accounted for more than one in six deaths among young people aged 15 to 29 in the European Union in 2022, according to the latest data from Eurostat. While the overall number of deaths in this age group due to intentional self-harm has declined by 20% since 2011, it remains the second leading cause of death for young people after accidents.
In total, 5,017 young people died from suicide across the EU in 2022. Among age groups, those in their twenties faced the highest risk, with a crude death rate of 8.3 per 100,000 for 25- to 29-year-olds and 7.7 per 100,000 for 20- to 24-year-olds. For teenagers aged 15 to 19, the rate was lower at 4.4 per 100,000.
The data also show a gradual decline in suicide rates over the past decade. The crude death rate for 25- to 29-year-olds fell by 1.2 percentage points from 9.5 in 2011, while the 20- to 24-year-old group saw a decrease of 1.1 percentage points. The youngest cohort, 15- to 19-year-olds, experienced a smaller decline of 0.4 percentage points.
Despite these decreases, suicide remains a serious public health concern, particularly for young adults. The figures were released ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting mental health support.
Among the EU’s total population, suicides increased slightly in 2022, with 49,042 deaths recorded, representing a standardised death rate of 10.6 per 100,000 people. This marked a rise of 1,696 deaths compared with 2021, though the overall rate is still down 10% since 2011.
Cyprus continues to report the lowest suicide rate in the EU, with a standardised rate of 4.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. Experts caution that while Cyprus’ rates are comparatively low, each death represents a tragedy, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and access to support services.
Residents in Cyprus seeking help can access several crisis support lines. The Mental Health Services of the Ministry of Health manages a primary crisis hotline at 1401, available 24/7 for confidential support. In emergencies, the national number 112 provides police, fire, medical, and mental health assistance. For children and adolescents, the Youth Helpline at 116 111 offers round-the-clock support for emotional distress.
Cyprus Samaritans also provide confidential emotional support nationwide, offering listening and face-to-face services from their centres in Paphos and Limassol. Their trained volunteers assist anyone in distress, speaking Danish, English, German, Greek, and Spanish. The Samaritans can be reached at 8000 7773.
