Suicide in Greenland

Although factors such as these have been known to contribute to suicide-related issues, it remains unclear if they have a direct influence on Greenlandic suicides or to what degree.

A host of different initiatives have been taken, however, to reduce the suicide rate in the country, including even roadside posters,[2] and a national suicide prevention strategy has been initiated entailing courses, general education, outreach in local communities, and involving professionals such as teachers, social workers, and doctors.

[8] An article published in the journal, BMC Psychiatry, in 2009 reported that a total of 1,351 suicides took place in Greenland during a study period of 35 years, from 1968 to 2002.

The study noted a significant variation of the suicide rate in relation to the season, characterized by peaks in June and troughs in the winter.

The new immigrants who had lived in a traditional Inuit hunter gift societies were generally isolated inside cities with no social support, many of them suffered from extreme mental health issues in the cities, with a high rate of suicide, which remains a major issue in Greenland.

[9] Greenland's government and international and national organizations have undertaken efforts and initiatives to prevent suicides.

[7] The first national suicide prevention strategy was initiated in 2005, followed by another in 2013 that involves courses, education, local communities and professionals (such as teachers, social workers and doctors).