Suicide in Asia and the Pacific

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds and, in many countries, the leading cause of death among young males and one of the leading causes among females. The burden of disease that is attributable to suicide is substantial. The impact of years of life lost on national economies is immense, and the impact of suicide on families and communities is profound and long-lasting. Almost 80% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources for suicide prevention. Reducing the suicide rate is the only quantitative mental health-related target in the Sustainable Development Agenda. The papers that have been included in this Reprint were published in the IJERPH Special Issue on Suicide in Asia and the Pacific. They include diverse types of articles and methodologies exploring a variety of topics, including cultural, historical, and gendered contexts of suicide; determinants, risk, and protective factors; help-seeking behaviours; suicide prevention policies and strategies; and interventions, programs, and services.