Three unique characteristics of suicide in China, what should we do in the future?

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In the face of serious social, economic and psychological pressure, anyone may choose suicide as a way to end his life. However, several unique characteristics of suicide in China have been widely concerned by the international community: let's share some relevant knowledge.

Three unique characteristics of suicide in China, what should we do in the future?

First, the suicide rate in rural areas is three times that in urban areas. According to the 1998 annual report of national health statistics, the suicide rates of rural and urban population in China are 20.51/100000 and 6.22/100000 respectively. The suicide rate of the rural elderly is higher, and the difference between urban and rural elderly is as high as five times. According to expert analysis, the vast majority of Chinese farmers keep strong pesticides in their homes, so taking pesticides to commit suicide is more common. Because of the strong lethality of this method, and the lack of well-trained medical personnel who can effectively rescue pesticide poisoning in rural areas, many people who take poison impulsively commit suicide successfully.

Second, the suicide rate of women is higher than that of men. China is one of the few countries that report higher suicide rates among women than among men. Figures provided by Beijing psychological crisis research and intervention center show that 157 000 women die of suicide every year in China, and another 1.5 million women attempt suicide. Suicide has become the leading cause of death among young women in rural areas, accounting for more than 30% of the total deaths. Xu Weihua, director of the women's rights and interests protection department of the all China Women's Federation, pointed out that arranged marriage and low social status often make rural women fall into a dilemma that they can't get rid of and go to a dead end. Women's suicide often makes children victims. Every year, 13500 children in China are affected by suicide as a single parent family.

Third: 1 / 3 of suicide deaths and 2 / 3 of attempted suicide in China have no mental disorder at the time of suicide. In contrast, more than 90% of suicides in almost all other countries have mental illness. A case-control study on attempted suicide in China shows that only 38% of attempted suicide have mental disorders. In China, severe stress caused by acute life events is more likely to lead to suicide.

matters needing attention

Since there is no strong legal prohibition against suicide in China, people may regard suicide as an acceptable way to relieve pain and reduce family burden when there is a long-term adverse life stimulation. In this "tolerant" environment, those groups with weak social support system will have impulsive suicide behavior in the state of acute stress.