-Automatic translation

The action plan to reduce the number of suicides in Iceland is based on research and experience, and it considers current policies and strategies, such as the Mental Health Policy and the Public Health strategy. Measures include both broad initiatives aimed at many people, like awareness campaigns such as Yellow September led by Lífsbrú, and targeted efforts focused on groups such as young people, individuals in vulnerable situations, or those who are bereaved after suicide.

All stages of suicide prevention

Suicide prevention operates on three levels, each crucial for saving lives and supporting individuals during tough times. The first level, prevention, aims to stop problems from worsening through mental health education, social and emotional skills, and information on where to seek help. It also helps break the silence and encourages open conversations about mental health struggles. When suicidal thoughts become real, intervention is necessary, focusing on responding appropriately and offering support. The third stage, postvention, involves providing support to survivors.

All the stages are interconnected in suicide prevention. Without prevention, issues become more likely; without intervention, lives may be lost; and without support after suicide, the consequences can spread and cause damage to health and well-being.

Action plan to reduce the number of suicides

The plan contains 26 actions, divided into 7 categories. Two actions have already been completed. Firstly, in collaboration with the Icelandic Journalists' Association, recommendations on responsible coverage of suicide in the media have been published (no. 4.1). Secondly, an agreement has been signed between the Directorate of Health and the Directorate of Education and School Services regarding the selection of study materials for all school levels that aim to strengthen the social and emotional skills of children and young people (no. 5.1). These measures are among the key strategies for suicide prevention, as noted by the World Health Organization.

Interactive dashboard

Lífsbrú has established a dashboard to monitor project progress in real time. Currently, work is underway on 15 actions, and the dashboard clearly and accessibly displays their statuses. The dashboard enhances transparency and provides an overview, as suicide prevention efforts involve many stakeholders, including ministries, institutions, and NGOs.

Additional funding from the Ministry of Health

The projects have gained momentum with additional funding from the Ministry of Health in 2025, which will accelerate work on certain key measures in the action plan (no. 4.3, 6.2, 2.4, and 7.2). These measures aim to educate key stakeholders, such as professionals, helpline staff, and clergy. They also include coordinating procedures for assessing suicide risk within the health service, ensuring a consistent professional approach regardless of location or level of service. Furthermore, efforts are underway to better clarify the response, follow-up, and support after suicide attempts and suicides, with the goal of improving services.

Priority has also been given to measures (no. 5.2 and no. 5.3), which include updating and publishing educational materials on mental health and suicide prevention for young people. There will be both revised materials that school nurses teach to students in the oldest primary school grades and an information website on mental health aimed at teenagers and young people.

Projects of Lífsbrú

Lífsbrú - Centre for Suicide Prevention is participating in a research project with the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, Reykjavík University, and Landspítali University Hospital, which falls under action no. 1.1 in the action plan, see dashboard. It will investigate possible determinants of suicide and drug-related deaths in Iceland from the year 2000 onwards. Each case of suicide will be analysed by linking health and drug databases along with demographic data. Permission has been granted for the study, and data collection has begun. The research is partly funded by a grant from the Ministry of Culture, Research, and Higher Education, received at the end of 2024. The findings will be used to enhance targeted prevention and to develop knowledge in the field for the future. At the University of Akureyri, a recent symposium on suicide research was held; more information about the study, other research, and projects in this area is available via this link.

Important services have been launched, including targeted support for relatives who lose a loved one to suicide (action no. 7.1). The service is now available in Akureyri and surrounding areas. The Grief Centre - Sorgarmiðstöð is leading the project, which is carried out in close collaboration with Lífsbrú, the Red Cross, the police, and many other institutions and organisations. The long-term goal is for the service to be available nationwide after a sudden death. The project is called Help48, which indicates that the service is available within 48 hours of receiving a request. The service includes an offer of initiative, i.e. relatives are offered the services of the Help48 team by the police in cases of suicide. The service has been available since September 2025, and work has now begun on implementing it in the Suðurnes region. Until now, there has not been a coordinated response to support relatives and those close after suicide, so with Help48, a significant step forward has been taken.

Suicide is a public health problem

Suicide is complex in nature and a major public health issue worldwide. This makes suicide prevention challenging and widespread. It involves extensive cooperation among ministries, institutions, universities, and NGOs. The number of suicides in Iceland can be reduced, just as accidental deaths at sea and on the roads were lowered through united effort. Achieving this requires a clear vision, broad collaboration, cooperation, and adequate funding.

Where to get help?

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is advised to contact the Píeta helpline on 552-2218, the Primary Healthcare Information Line on 1700, or the heilsuvera.is web chat, the Red Cross Helpline on 1717, and the 1717.is web chat.

Those who have lost a loved one to suicide are advised to seek support from the Grief Centre (Sorgarmiðstöð) on 551-4141, the Primary Healthcare Information Centre on 1700, or the heilsuvera.is web chat, and the Píeta helpline on 552-2218.