Suicide prevention can be complicated, as there are many risk factors, and physical, environmental, and social factors interact. The background and reason behind each suicide differ, as each individual's story is unique. Social situations, sudden trauma, losses or long-term stress, personality traits that may be characterised by anger and impulsivity, excessive alcohol and drug use, depression, and/or extreme anxiety and distress can play a role.
Cooperation is a fundamental factor in suicide prevention, and success is best achieved through the participation of the entire society. Establishing networks, fostering research collaboration, and creating knowledge with other countries contribute to long-term success.
National Suicide Prevention Plan. In Iceland, suicide prevention work is based on the approved Action Plan for Suicide Prevention 2025-2030. The work involves extensive collaboration between ministries, institutions, non-governmental organisations, professionals, and people with lived experience. Project management is handled by Lífsbrú – the Centre for Suicide Prevention.
Yellow Septemberis a cooperative project between institutions and non-governmental organisations working together on mental health and suicide prevention
Iceland participates in Nordic collaboration on mental health and suicide prevention, through the Nordic Council of Ministers.
JA IMPLEMENTAL is a European research project funded by the H2020 framework program (JA-02-2020/HADEA). Around twenty European countries participated in the project. Iceland's representatives came from the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Health. A video on the Icelandic journey through JA ImpleMENTAL.
The project lasted between 2021 and 2024. The project was extensive, but Iceland participated in the part related to implementing knowledge in suicide prevention based on the Austrian prevention model "SUPRA".
The Directorate of Health is a member of the IASP organization, which works globally on suicide prevention. The International Suicide Prevention Day is a project coordinated by IASP. It is held worldwide annually on September 10. The goal of the day is to work on suicide prevention, support family members and keep alive the memory of those who have died by suicide. In Iceland, the day has been celebrated since 2009. However, from 2023, awareness-raising activities about suicide prevention and mental health have been held throughout September until October 10, known as Yellow September.
