-Automatic translation

Official statistics on suicides are based on the Directorate of Health's Causes of Death Register. The number of suicides includes deaths where the underlying cause of death on the death certificate is recorded as deliberate self-harm (ICD-10 codes: X60-X84). The registration of causes of death cannot be completed until all data and autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Pathology at Landspítali have been received by the Directorate of Health. Consequently, the process can be quite time-consuming. Preliminary figures on the number of suicides in the first half of 2024 have now been published, but it is essential to be aware that they may change when the results for the entire year are available.

The number of suicides in the first six months of 2024 was 22, or 5.7 per 100,000 population. These figures are comparable to those from previous years; however, the average number of suicides during the first six months from 2019 to 2023 was 19, or 5.3 per 100,000 population. Over these five years, from 2019 to 2023, the number of suicides in the first half of each year ranged from 15 to 25, or 4.3 to 6.6 per 100,000 population. In the first half of 2024, no one under the age of 20 died by suicide.

Responsible reporting on suicide

Due to the nation's small population, minor changes in numbers can lead to fluctuations in mortality rates from year to year. Considerably large fluctuations are necessary to assert that there is a significant change. It is therefore important not to interpret six-month preliminary figures as indicative of an increase or decrease in the frequency of suicides. The Directorate of Health, along with several partners, is working on a new National Suicide Prevention Action Plan aimed at reducing the number of suicides in Iceland from 2025 to 2030. The action plan involves multifaceted actions.

In February 2025, the Directorate of Health issued new guidelines for the media on responsible coverage of suicide. Research indicates that reporting that emphasizes recovery stories and available sources of help and support can encourage individuals in distress to seek assistance and help reduce the incidence of suicide.

There is help available

Those struggling with suicidal thoughts must confide in someone about their feelings, whether it is a family member, the Red Cross Helpline 1717, or online chat 1717.is, the Helpline of Primary Health care 1700 or online chat 1700.is, heilsuvera.is, or the Pieta Association 552-2218. The Pieta Association also provides advice and support for the families of those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.

For individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide, support is available through Sorgarmiðstöð at 551-4141 and the Pieta Association at 552-2218.

More information
Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, Project Manager, Lífsbrú - Center for Suicide Prevention gudrun.j.gudlaugsdottir@landlaeknir.is
Jón Óskar Guðlaugsson, Project Manager