Study Facts: Monday Is The Toughest And Vulnerable Day To Suicide

Before reading, please note that this article does not teach readers to commit suicide. Suicide is not a solution. If you have suicide thoughts, don't hesitate to immediately contact the nearest psychologist and psychiatrist. Visit the first aid page for people with the idea of suicide here.

JAKARTA - Suicide is a complex and multi-factorial tragedy, often involving a combination of psychological, social, and physical factors. However, there is an interesting phenomenon and is often a concern in the world of mental health, namely the increasing suicide rate on Monday.

According to a global analysis that spans nearly four decades, the highest risk of suicide occurred on Monday and increased during New Year's celebrations. The study, published in the BMJ medical journal, analyzed 1.7 million suicide cases in 26 countries between 1971 and 2019.

Several countries in North America, Asia, and Europe showed lower suicide rates on weekends. But in countries such as South America, Finland, and South Africa, the suicide rate actually increased on weekends.

The study also found regional variations, with European countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, and the UK included in this study.

While the exact cause of the increase in suicide is unclear, study authors feel it is happening, due to work stress early in the week, high alcohol consumption over the weekend, and social isolation over the holidays, especially in men, may contribute to the increased risk.

According to Brian O'Shea, professor of social psychology from Nottingham University in England, suicide on New Year's Day can be related to anxiety or fear that often appears after getting drunk.

"If someone has faced emotional stress and has to face the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, this could worsen the condition and push someone to a worse point," O'Shea said, quoted by VOI from the Euro News page on Monday, December 9, 2024.

To date, there has been no consistent global conclusion about the risk of suicide on Christmas Day. The study shows that suicides have increased in Central and South American countries and South Africa.

Meanwhile, in North American and European countries, the number has decreased. The decline in suicide was also found on other national holidays, although sometimes this number rose a few days later.

Factors such as alcohol, isolation, and work stress may be more or less influential in each country, depending on religious beliefs, large holiday time, and the expectations of a work-to-life balance. Research requires further exploring the cultural and social factors that influence this trend.