Countries across the globe marked World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday. The day was meaningful, especially to South Koreans because the nation shows the highest suicide rate among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is embarrassing to see the media describe South Korea as the ``Republic of Suicide." We have to admit that suicide is of grave concern to our society.
According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), 12,174 people killed themselves last year. It means an average of 33.3 people committed suicide in Korea every day. The world's daily average number of suicides is estimated at almost 3,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) said about 1 million people commit suicide each year around the globe. It pointed out that most suicides took place in Asia, which is estimated to account for up to 60 percent of all suicides.
It is bitter to know that the suicide rate in South Korea surged by 90.8 percent in the 1997-2007 period. The NSO reported that 24.8 out of every 100,000 Koreans killed themselves last year, a 90.8 percent increase from 13 out of 100,000 people in 1997. The rate is much higher than 19.1 in Japan, 11.1 in Sweden, 10.9 in Norway and 10.1 in the U.S. More surprising is that suicide emerged as the fourth biggest cause of death in South Korea. It was eighth in 1997.
Also noteworthy is that suicide has become the top cause of death among those in their 20s and 30s and the second biggest reason for death among teenagers and those in their 40s. Why has the country posted the highest suicide rate in the world? It is not easy to find answers to this question. Some experts point out that family troubles, financial hardship and loss of jobs are behind the reasons for suicide. The nation's unique psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors have also driven more people to take their own lives.
According to a recent survey by the state-run Korea Youth Counseling Institute, 58.8 percent of 4,700 middle and high school students said they had thought of suicide. The poll found that teenagers felt suicidal urges when they experienced conflict with parents and other family members, felt deprived of hope or had trouble with friends.
It is generally said that mental illness is responsible for most suicide cases, with almost 80 percent triggered by depression. In reality, only 20-30 percent of those suffering from depression get medical treatment, implying that the rest are left to deal with their suicidal tendencies alone. Mental illness and suicide can no longer be a taboo here. The WHO said suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death.
It is encouraging news that the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs announced Wednesday a five-year plan to reduce the suicide rate by 10 percent by 2013. We hope that the authorities will introduce effective programs to prevent suicide.