The Relationship Between Shorter Days and Suicide Rates

The issue of suicide is important for Turkey as it is for the world. Because, according to TUIK data, the crude suicide rate, which was 2.80 for the year 2000, will increase by 2021. to 4.94 level is advanced. Crude suicide rate here refers to the suicide rate per thousand people.

Suicide, which is the behavior of ending one’s life; tough psychological, emotional or social affected by many factors, such as conditions. According to research data, one of these factors is climate. “Researchers give different answers to the question: “Does cold climates or hot climates increase suicide rates?”

Seasonal depression may be one reason why we don’t want to do anything on those days when the sun doesn’t rise.

According to research data, the scarcity of the Sun and the shortness of the days can have many effects on psychological health. Especially in autumn and winter, that is, in darker and colder weather, people find themselves a lower mood they can find in it. The term seasonal depression or winter depression is used to describe this mood.

Cold Scandinavian countries and their mysterious relationship with suicides

According to researches, in periods when cold climates are effective, people may feel sleepless, tired and sad in general. Loss of interest and weight changes may also occur. But whether this situation leads to suicide, this place has some question marks. Because the cold Scandinavian countries, which are claimed to have high suicide rates, are on the list of suicide rates for 2023, from high to low. It’s not even in the top 10.

South Korea ranks fourth on the list, Lithuania ranks seventh, Russia ninth, and South Africa tenth. You can reach a more detailed list, where the rates are calculated over one hundred thousand, from the link here. Suicide rates in these countries are over 20. Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland suicide rates 15 around. In Turkey, this rate is around 2.4 in the said list. TUIK data, on the other hand, is slightly different.

The reason why this situation is on the agenda in Scandinavian countries the importance given to human life and the policies they are trying to develop to prevent a phenomenon such as suicide.

There are also studies claiming the opposite for Turkey;

In this study, which examines the suicides committed in Turkey between 2002 and 2019, Higher suicide rates in summer it has been found. The same is seen in the suicide data in Scandinavia, Greenland, Japan and India. Suicide rates increased during the hot summer months rather than the winter months. Due to the concern that the increase in temperature on earth with global warming may increase suicides, researchers pay special attention to this issue.

The actual cause of these suicides, which increase during the warmer months, is actually unknown. But researchers have found that a biological cause is the body’s secretions during the warmer months. an increase in the amount of the hormone cortisol they think it might be. Because the increase in this hormone reduces the quality of sleep and causes disruptions in people’s physical activity routines. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on psychological health.

There are many reasons for suicides;

Among the risk factors of suicidal behavior, some annoying situations unfortunately included. These include factors such as depression, alcohol or substance use, chronic illness, loneliness and social isolation, history of trauma and abuse, stressful events, unemployment, relationship problems, and constant harassment or bullying.

There are also things you can apply to raise your low mood, which is caused by climatic conditions.

To rest and relax when you’re feeling down take some time for yourself. Set goals that you can reach and do. Take care of your basic needs such as exercising, eating healthy and sleeping.

Engage in hobbies that you used to love to do or that you have never had time to do. Do activities you enjoy doing. Try to get social support from your family members and friends. Experts such as psychologists and psychiatrists get professional help.