Norway sees rise in suicide rates as research highlights need for gender-specific prevention strategies

In the past year, 693 individuals took their own lives in Norway, an increase of 70 from the previous year. Victoria Bakken, a PhD candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), has dedicated the last three years to researching effective suicide prevention strategies. Her findings indicate that the factors that can prevent individuals from taking their own lives differ significantly between genders.

Bakken emphasizes the importance of belonging, stating, “We all need to feel we belong somewhere,” highlighting its significance in suicide prevention, especially among boys and men—71 percent of suicide victims in 2023 were male.

Her research, which analyzed data from nearly 2,500 Norwegian adolescents tracked over 26 years, also included in-depth interviews with 15 of these individuals as adults. The study reveals substantial gender differences in seeking help; girls are more likely to reach out to family and friends for support compared to boys, who often find it difficult to ask for help.

The research suggests that preventive strategies should be adjusted for males. Many boys are reluctant to burden others with their problems, making access to social activities vital. Engaging in hobbies or group activities is considered the most effective prevention method for young men.

An environmental change can also be beneficial for teenagers coping with depression. Bakken notes that relocating from a negative environment, such as changing schools, can help individuals see a brighter future.

Despite government initiatives aiming for zero suicides, rates have not been this high since 1988, prompting calls for a reevaluation of current strategies. Bakken advocates for a broader understanding of normal emotions, asserting that existential thoughts about life and death do not necessarily indicate mental illness, and underscores the need for education on these feelings among youth.