Lithuania remains the not-so-honourable leader in the EU in terms of suicide rates. The Health Ministry is planning to finally tackle the issues by providing more targeted help to those at risk of taking their own lives.
Every week, more than 40 men visit the Men’s Crisis and Information Centre in Vilnius alone. The centre offers consultations on various issues. Almost every second person is also asked about suicide.
“I would say that it is more a question of the meaning of life, where sometimes, we come to a dead end, we don’t know what to do, and maybe sometimes the easiest solution is to somehow leave such a life,” says Donatas Nėnius, a representative of the Men’s Crisis and Information Centre.
According to him, an increasing number of men are now coming to the centre for help. If suicide is brought up, it is important to pay attention, he notes.
“Often, we tend to say, ‘Oh, calm down, ignore it’. But there are first signs that something is wrong. It doesn’t mean that he will commit suicide now, but in an increasingly difficult emotional state, such a thought may come to mind, and a snap decision may be made. This is something that should be taken very seriously by anyone,” Nėnius says.
In Lithuania, around 23 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants are committed every year, while the European average is around 12. According to the Health Ministry, the changes that will come into force next year will help to provide more targeted help to people at risk of taking their lives.
“There are people admitted to hospitals for physical injuries, such as poisoning or stab wounds, that are linked to attempted suicide. But once these people are cured, they are often discharged and allowed to go home,” says Ignas Rubikas, the ministry’s spokesperson.
However, now, such a patient will be subjected to a suicide risk assessment and receive immediate psychological help. As of 2024, follow-up help will also be provided in mental health centres – specialists responsible for individual cases will draw up a support plan and stay in touch with a person who attempted suicide.
Initial crisis support is already available today, but follow-up support is still limited, according to psychologist Paulius Skruibis, so the proposed changes are welcome.
“Sometimes the crisis is just the result of long-term problems. Once the crisis is under control, the other long-term problems do not disappear and need to be addressed. This is the biggest gap – the ongoing help for people who have had suicidal thoughts for a long time, or have repeatedly attempted suicide or self-harmed,” the psychologist says.
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