Suicidal thoughts and attempts in Germany: results from a national health survey

Background

The systematic collection of population-level data on suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts is essential for effective suicide prevention and public mental health practice. Like many other countries, Germany lacks a surveillance system for non-fatal suicidal behavior.

Methods

We analysed survey-weighted, representative data from 27,102 adults participating in the 2024 annual survey from the Health in Germany panel, a nationally representative population-based survey. Twelve-month and lifetime prevalences of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts were estimated, and sociodemographic patterns and reported service contacts following suicide attempts (hospital including emergency department, police, crisis hotline/chat) were described.

Results

In 2024, 6.0% (95% CI: 5.6%–6.4%) of adults reported suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months, and 18.0% (95% CI: 17.4%–18.7%) over their lifetime. Suicide attempts were reported by 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4%–0.7%) in the past year and 4.8% (95% CI: 4.5%–5.3%) over the lifetime, corresponding to approximately 399,050 (95% CI: 295,340–502,761) and 3,349,004 (95% CI: 3,044,451–3,653,557) adults in Germany, respectively. Higher prevalences were observed among younger adults and individuals with lower educational attainment and household income. Women reported a higher lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts than men. Among those reporting a suicide attempt, 41.5% (95% CI: 37.5%–45.7%) had contact with a hospital, 11.8% (95% CI: 9.0%–15.3%) with the police, and 9.8% (95% CI: 7.4%–12.9%) with a crisis hotline or chat service following their most recent suicide attempt, while 53.8% (95% CI: 49.7%–57.8%) reported no contact with any of the assessed services.

Conclusions

Non-fatal suicidal behaviour represents a substantial and socially patterned public health burden. Continuously collected survey data can form an important component of suicidality surveillance systems aiming to provide a timely evidence base for suicide prevention.

Key messages

• Non-fatal suicidal behaviour is a substantial and socially patterned public health burden in Germany, highlighting the need for suicidality surveillance

• Regular population-based survey data on suicidal behaviour can provide timely evidence for prevention planning and public mental health action