Tuesday, Sept. 10, marks World Suicide Prevention Day. The trauma of Oct. 7 and the reality of the ongoing war we have been facing for nearly a year have raised genuine concerns about a potential rise in suicide rates among the general public.
While there is no publication of causes of death for 2023-2024 yet, data indicate a decrease in suicide rates in Israel between October and December 2023, compared to the same months in recent years. A similar trend was found in previous periods of coping with emergency situations in Israel and worldwide, explained, among other factors, by increased social cohesion. Nevertheless, we must not be complacent, as there has been a surge of tens of percentage points in distress calls and use of anxiety medications since the outbreak of the war, which could signal a trend change after the fighting ends and requires awareness and preparation of mental health services.
It is important and necessary for doctors treating people struggling with depression to address the patient's sense of belonging. In addition, we must continue to encourage community and national initiatives that can increase levels of perceived belonging among citizens and help reduce the risk of suicide after the war.
The attack on Oct. 7 is one of the deadliest in modern history. Studies have documented a sharp rise in depression following the attacks and the subsequent war. However, a study conducted in Israel found that a sense of perceived belonging moderates the link between depression and suicidal thoughts following a terrorist attack. A study published in 2021 also found that proximity, social support, and group cohesion are associated with a lower risk of suicide among US soldiers.
In light of this, it is important and necessary for doctors treating people struggling with depression to address the patient's sense of belonging. In addition, we must continue to encourage community and national initiatives that can increase levels of perceived belonging among citizens and help reduce the risk of suicide after the war, and view social intervention strategies as testable components of suicide prevention programs.
As people living in a war-torn country, we as an Israeli society have a special resilience that allows most of the population to cope with stressful situations and see crisis as a catalyst for growth. The surprising and awe-inspiring mobilization of citizens, which includes blood donations, food and clothing, equipment for soldiers, homes for hosting, support for civilians, assistance to farmers, and more, is part of the society's strengths. The ongoing experience in disrupted routine, and our being a society exposed to living within trauma, have built within us the ability to move forward.
In his book "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor Frankl taught us that meaning is essential for a life with a sense of fulfillment and value for ourselves and for others, and it has the power to help us overcome difficult times. Meaning colors our lives with content and gives us a reason to get up in the morning, act, and motivate ourselves.
Israeli society, as well as doctors and mental health professionals, need to harness social cohesion and sense of meaning as an interventional therapeutic tool that will help deal with the severe phenomenon of suicide. A sense of giving can be an actual lifesaver for people on the brink.
