Suicides exploded in 2011, the second year of the economic crisis and the loan agreements. It was mostly women who took their lives. The region of Attica, where also Greek capital Athens lies, saw 172 of its residents finding not other way to their problems than put an end to their lives.
A staggering 104.8 percent more women committed suicide in 2011 compared with the previous year, while the overall rate of people taking their own lives grew by 26.5 percent (from 377 to 477) in the same period, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) and non-governmental organization Klimaka.
Regions
According to ELSTAT, 477 suicides were reported in 2011, out of which 393 concerned men and 84 women.
The figures show that 172 suicides occurred in Attica (compared with 109 in 2010), followed by 53 in Central Macedonia, 37 in Crete and 36 in Western Greece with the rest in other parts of the country. (via ekathimerini)
It is estimated that more than 3,000 people have committed suicide since 2010, the year when debt-ridden Greece sought ‘aid’ from the International Monetary Fund. The country saw a dramatic rise of suicides when compared to previous years. The number includes also those who were rescued.
Suicide support helpline: telephone number <1018> 24/7
According to the World Health Organization
What is only too often forgotten is the human tragedy behind each of the statistics. A tragedy which in many cases could most likely have been avoided.
It is high time that political leaders, educators, religious leaders, and parents take their responsibility and openly discuss the subject with our youngsters instead of avoiding the discussion. Social and religious taboos on the subject are based on the irrational emotions of fear and shame, and must be set aside if we want to be serious about trying to reverse the current trend.