Suicide rates in Jordan rise in 2024

Jordan recorded 166 suicide deaths in 2024, up from 160 cases in 2023, according to figures released by the National Center for Forensic Medicine under the Ministry of Health.

This marks an increase of six cases year-on-year.

Breakdown by Gender and Age

Of the 166 reported cases, 135 involved males and 31 females—a gender distribution consistent with previous years. Alarmingly, 16 of the suicides involved individuals under the age of 18.

These figures align with historical data. In 2022, Jordan registered 137 suicide cases, including 104 men and 33 women, with a notable share of deaths involving children and teenagers.

Most Common Methods

Hanging was the most common method of suicide in 2024, accounting for 83 of the recorded cases. Firearms were used in 28 incidents, while 20 people died by jumping from heights, and 16 from self-immolation.

Nineteen others took their lives using various other means, including ingesting toxic substances or drowning. These numbers mirror earlier trends. For example, hanging accounted for 35 of 65 cases in the first half of 2022.

Documentation Challenges

Although the current numbers appear consistent with the historical range of 120 to 169 annual suicide cases recorded between 2016 and 2020, they lack recent official validation from the Forensic Medicine Center or the Ministry of Health for 2023 and 2024.

Experts stress the need for updated, verified data to better understand the underlying social and psychological drivers of the increase.

Calls for Prevention and Support

The growing number of suicide cases—particularly among teens—has raised red flags within Jordan’s public health and education sectors.

Mental health professionals and social workers are urging for expanded awareness programs, more inclusive psychological support services, and stronger prevention measures within schools and family environments to combat what they describe as a troubling trend.