Suicide in Greece: 2001-2011

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• European financial crisis starting in 2008 impacted Greece significantly.
• Economic downturns, characterized by reduced income and increased unemployment, negatively affect population mental health.
• Periods of economic crisis are often associated with increased suicidality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in suicide rates in Greece from 2001 to 2011.
• To specifically analyze suicide rate fluctuations during the recent economic crisis period (2008-2011).

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) for population and suicide cases.
• Calculated specific suicide rates (SSR) per 100,000 inhabitants using census data (2001, 2011).
• Compared total, male, and female SSRs before (2001-2007) and during the crisis (2008-2011) across age groups.

Main Results:

• Total suicides recorded (2001-2011): 4133 (82.8% male, 17.2% female).
• Overall SSR increased by 38.4% from 2001-2011; male SSR by 33.1%, female SSR by 69.6%.
• During the crisis (2008-2011), total SSR rose by 27.2% (males: 26.9%, females: 28.5%), with significant increases in males aged 30-54. Highest recorded SSR in 2011.

Conclusions:

• Findings indicate an increase in suicide mortality in Greece during the financial crisis.
• A significant rise in suicide rates was observed, particularly among males in specific age brackets.
• Reorientation of national mental health services and targeted interventions for high-risk groups (unemployed, poor, ill) are recommended.