The year 2016 has witnessed the highest number of suicides in Jordan.

In comparison with 2015, there was a 6.1% increase, with 120 people reported dead.

Different methods were used to commit suicide, including opening fire, burning oneself, drinking poison, jumping off high buildings and overdosing on drugs.

According to statistics, one suicide case was reported every 3.2 days.

According to Tadamon, there were 39 suicides in 2011, 86 in 2012, 108 in 2013, 100 in 2014 and 113 in 2015.

High suicide rate among minors

Reports show that suicides among minors increased by 100%, with 16 suicides reported in 2016, versus eight in 2015.

Numbers show a high number in suicides among students as well.

Suicides from drinking poison ranks in second place

Committing suicide by drinking poison was recorded at 107 cases in 2016, including 69 females and 38 males.

In 2012, 410 cases were recorded, making it the highest year for suicide by poison.

In 2013, 279 cases were reported, 260 in 2014 and 180 in 2015, according to the annual report of the Environmental Health Department.

“Tadamon” pointed out that females form 64.4% of the total of poisoning cases, while all male poisoning cases were concentrated in areas like Alkora, Zarqa, Deir Ala, Mafraq, Irbid, and Balqa.

The lack of access to health services or to resources contributes to the rising number in suicides, according to “Tadamon”.
Women commit suicide because of discrimination, violence and gender inequality, “Tadamon” added.

This article is an edited translation from the Arabic Edition