SMHAI is dedicated to suicide and mental health related issues. Our main goal is to prevent suicidal behavior and to relieve its effects on all who maybe affected by it. We also promote and advocate education, awareness and treatment in regards to mental health.
Our membership is comprised of and we provide this service to mental health professionals, public health professionals, researchers, medical doctors, crisis workers, volunteers, caretakers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention staff , school districts, suicide survivors, and others who may have a general interest.
Worldwide Suicide Rates:
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2002, in the year 2020 there will be approximately 1.53 million people who will die by suicide, according to current trends. Woldwide, suicide attempts will be about 10-20 times more than deaths by suicide. This is an average of one suicide every 20 seconds and every 1-2 seconds, there will be a suicide attempt.
In Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, the highest suicide rates are reported for both men and women.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region and Central Asian republics have the lowest suicide rates.
Nearly 30% of all suicides worldwide occur in India and China.
Suicides by age globally:
55% - age 5 to 44 years
45% - age 45 years +
Elder suicide is increasing at the greatest rate, when the elder population is compared to the population of other age groups.
Youth suicide is increasing at the greatest rate of all age groups.
Mental Health Basics:
The World Health Organization 2004 report states, 450 million people are affected by and suffer from mental, neurobiological or behavioral problems at any given time. In the years to come, this is expected to increase.
Of the people who seek health services, one in four has at least one undiagnosed and untreated mental, neurobiological or behavioral disorder.
Treatments are available which are cost effective. Huge barriers in most countries cause difficulties in the care and reintegration of individuals with mental health issues.
The SMHAI Discussion Forum purpose is suicide awareness, support, education, and prevention for those whose lives have been affected by the suicide, those who may be attempters or self-injurers and for those who want to learn more about suicide and related issues. We also promote good mental health practices and information.
