A 21-Year Nationwide Analysis of Suicide Rates and Psychosocial Indicators in Türkiye

Introduction

Suicidal behavior represents a significant public health concern and constitutes a largely preventable condition when addressed through psychosocial interventions within a preventive medicine framework. This study aims to investigate the relationship between suicide rates, causes of suicide, and selected psychosocial indicators in Türkiye between 2004 and 2025. The analysis is based on nationwide data obtained from administrative records across 81 provinces by the Turkish Statistical Institute.

Methods

Over a 21-year period, this study examines correlations between total suicide counts, suicide rates, and categorized causes of suicide, alongside indicators of subjective well-being, including sources of happiness, overall happiness levels, and individuals’ expectations regarding life in the following year. Suicide causes were classified as illness, family discord, economic hardship, commercial failure, emotional relationship problems-including inability to marry a desired partner-academic failure, and other causes. Sources of happiness were analyzed across two dimensions: relational (family, children, spouse, parents, self, grandchildren, others) and value-based (health, love, success, money, work, others). Longitudinal data were analyzed using correlation and trend analyses to identify temporal patterns and associations.

Results

The findings indicate a complex and multidimensional relationship between suicide-related variables and psychosocial indicators, with patterns suggesting that both structural and subjective factors contribute to suicide dynamics.

Conclusions

Overall, this study underscores the importance of identifying modifiable psychosocial determinants of suicide and highlights the potential of targeted, evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing hope, well-being, and mental health in reducing suicidal behavior at the population level.

Key messages

• This 21-year nationwide study shows that suicide rates and causes in Türkiye are associated with psychosocial indicators and sources of happiness, highlighting structural and individual determinants.

• Understanding hope, future expectations, and relational/value-based happiness sources in relation to suicide causes and rates may help develop effective preventive mental health services.