Suicide Prevention Month 2024: Statistics, History, Risk Factors, and How to Get Help
- Hilary Valdez
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
In 2024, Japan recorded 20,268 suicides. The most cited motives were health problems, economics, livelihood and family issues. Most instances occurred among people in their 50s and 40s. Male suicides were double that of females.
Seppuku, the ancient samurai ritual, was long considered an honorable act of atonement, but despite the removal of cultural sanctioning, the rate of these types of deaths remain high. Harakiri, another type of ritualistic death, was originally reserved for samurai in their code of honor but was also practiced by other Japanese people during the Shōwa era (1926-1989), mainly officers near the end of World War II, to restore honor for themselves or for their families.
Minamoto no Tametomo is the earliest recorded case of seppuku which occurred after being defeated fighting in the Hōgen Rebellion (1156). Minamoto’s enemies sent troops to suppress his rebellion and facing defeat, he committed seppuku.
At the heart of all Samurai, training was the Bushido Code a strict creed – “Way of the Warrior.” Dying an honorable death was judged more important than living a long life. By ancient Japanese standards, there was nothing cowardly about committing suicide.
According to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, more than 720,000 people die due to suicide every year. Among veterans, 73.5% of the 6,407 suicide cases in 2022 were committed with firearms. Also in 2022, 146 military family members died by suicide, including 93 spouses and 53 dependents, the report said. The following year the report found 523 service members committed suicide.
Access to a firearm during a crisis dramatically increases the likelihood of a fatal suicide attempt. Research from the Veterans Administration indicates that many suicidal crises are impulsive, often lasting less than 10 minutes. Reducing immediate access to firearms through secure storage can provide the time needed for the crisis to pass or for an intervention to occur. Suicide Prevention Month 2024
Suicide is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including mental health conditions, social and environmental circumstances, and global events. Life events like bereavement, divorce, loneliness and financial problems can intensify mental health struggles and contribute to suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide often prevents individuals from seeking help when needed.
Suicide and attempts have far-reaching effects, impacting not only the individual but also their families, friends, colleagues and communities. Mental health risks exist at different levels within society. Local threats can increase risk for individuals, families, and communities, while global events like economic downturns, disease outbreaks, humanitarian emergencies, earthquakes, Reduction in Force actions, forced home displacement, climate crises, pollution, can all heighten risk for entire populations. No one is immune from life circumstances. Life ambushes us, at times. Life is a challenge. Staying resilient helps to navigate everyday issues. Don’t lose hope. You’re allowed to feel bad, but not for long. Just keep driving along the road of life with all its twist, turns, bumps, and sudden stops. Breathe. Relax. Pace yourself. Re-boot your emotions. Have a “staycation.”
Don’t sit back. Do something. Take Action. Volunteer to help yourself.
Call: Tokyo English Lifeline: 03-5774-0992 … USA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1/ or 988 Press1
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
About the Author:
Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email (InstantInsights@hotmail.com). Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
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