How has the Suicide Rate changed over the years?

  • Between 1985 and 2016, approximately 6,748,420 persons died by suicide worldwide.

  • Until 2003, the trend was primarily upward. After a fall in 2004, the trend remained nearly constant until 2009.

  • In 2009, there was a slight increase. However, after that, the numbers have been steadily declining over time.

  • The highest number of suicides was 256,095 in 2002. This could be a result of the global economic crisis at the time.

  • The most recent trend has been downward. In 2016, we may see a significant decrease. This is because the data was obtained in the first few months of 2016.