From: Alice Taylor
State Police: Suicides in Albania Decreased in 2020

Suicides have almost halved in number between 2015 and 2020, according to data from the State Police.

In 2015 there were 246 deaths and 235 attempts, compared to 2020 with 156 deaths and 129 attempts.

Following a request for information from Exit, the data shows that between 2015 and 2018 there was more than one suicide or attempted suicide per day. The year with the most suicides and attempts was 2016 with 542 (227 suicides, 315 attempts), followed by 2018 with 490 (196 suicides and 214 attempts).

The figures dropped significantly in 2019 to just 155 suicides and 154 attempts. The rate decreased even more in 2020, according to the data.

But it’s worth noting that during those five years, the population of Albania has decreased as many have emigrated. Some half a million are believed to have left between 2008 and 2018, with thousands more leaving between 2018 and 2020.

It was thought that the COVID-19 pandemic would see an immediate increase both locally and internationally in suicides. This appears to have not been the case, but experts say this may not last. A recent report in Japan found that there was a decline during the first half of 2020 but numbers began to rise towards the end of the year and increased further in 2021.

The British Medical Journal noted that asides from suicide, the pandemic was having a significant impact on the mental well-being of children and young people. Numerous surveys highlighted that mental health was disproportionately affected in older people and that self-harm and suicidal thoughts were increasing.

They said changes in the risk of suicide would be dynamic and could increase and decrease. They also noted that evidence from previous pandemics suggests a short-term decrease in suicide due to the “pulling-together” phenomenon, followed by a later increase.

Experts say governments must remain alert to emerging risk factors such as the exacerbation of existing inequalities, poverty, and social exclusion. Additionally, attention should be given to those already suffering from depression, PTDS, or experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, or economic insecurity.

They said the two main concerns are those with existing mental health problems and the economic impact on individuals and families.

Albania saw a spate of suicides in predominantly elderly people during the summer. There were also five suicides that took place at the COVID-19 hospital in Tirana.