“Changing the Narrative on Suicide”
Each year, World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that behind the statistics are lives, families, and stories of pain and hope. This year’s theme—“Changing the Narrative on Suicide”—highlights the importance of human connections and our collective role in reducing suffering and preventing avoidable deaths.
Suicide among Migrants: A Global Alarm
Studies show that migrants and refugees face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to psychosocial stress, discrimination, loneliness, and cultural adjustment difficulties. In Europe, suicide rates among some migrant groups have been reported to be up to twice as high as in native populations. In Iran, scattered data also suggest that migrants—especially those in unstable conditions without sufficient support—are more vulnerable than the general population.
Why Are Migrants More Vulnerable?
- Separation from family and support networks
- Discrimination or experiences of social exclusion
- Economic and legal pressures (residency, employment, education)
- Trauma, war, or displacement experiences
- Language barriers and limited access to mental health services
What Can Be Done? Prevention Strategies
- Raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health
- Strengthening social and family support networks for migrants
- Ensuring equitable access to psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care
- Training key groups (teachers, general practitioners, community leaders) to recognize warning signs
- Encouraging open and empathetic conversations about distress—before it becomes a crisis
At eReliever, we believe that every human conversation can serve as a bridge between despair and hope. Suicide prevention requires communities that listen, accept, and stand beside those who are most vulnerable.
