A recent global study spanning nearly four decades reveals that suicide rates tend to spike on Mondays and New Year’s Day, although the patterns surrounding other holidays, like Christmas, are less clear.
The research, published in the medical journal BMJ, analyzed 1.7 million suicide cases across 26 countries from 1971 to 2019. The findings indicate that Monday is the most dangerous day for suicides worldwide. However, there are notable regional variations. In North America, Asia, and Europe, suicides often decrease on weekends, whereas in regions like South and Central America, Finland, and South Africa, the weekend sees an uptick in suicide risk.
Countries included in the study from Europe are the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
While the exact reasons behind these trends remain unclear, the authors suggest factors such as increased work stress at the beginning of the week, alcohol consumption over the weekend, and social isolation during the holidays—particularly among men—may contribute. Brian O’Shea, an assistant professor of social psychology at the University of Nottingham, noted that the anxiety associated with hangovers on New Year’s Day could heighten suicide risk, especially for those already experiencing emotional distress.
“People often drink significantly more on New Year’s,” O’Shea explained. “When combined with the physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal, this can create a perfect storm for those struggling emotionally.”
Holiday-Related Suicide Trends
Interestingly, the study found no consistent global pattern for suicide rates on Christmas Day. In Central and South America and South Africa, suicides typically rise, while they decrease in North America and Europe.
The risk associated with New Year’s Day varies by country; it is weakest in Japan and most pronounced in Chile. Additionally, the researchers looked at the Lunar New Year, noting that only South Korea showed a decrease in suicide risk on that day.
Overall, suicides slightly decline on other national holidays, although rates can increase shortly after. The authors suggest that strong family and community bonds during the holidays may account for lower suicide rates, but further research is necessary due to the diverse patterns observed across countries.
Factors Influencing Suicide Risk
Martin Plöderl, a clinical psychologist and researcher at Paracelsus Medical University, emphasized that cultural factors, including religious beliefs and expectations around work-life balance, can significantly affect suicide risk. He found similar trends in Austria, noting spikes in suicide rates on Mondays and during spring and summer, with peaks around major holidays and lows during December.
While the weekday patterns may not significantly impact mental health clinicians directly, understanding the timing of higher-risk periods could enhance suicide prevention strategies. Plöderl highlighted the need for greater awareness of the New Year’s risk, suggesting adjustments in clinical practices, such as delaying patient discharges post-New Year.
O’Shea pointed out that these findings could bolster the case for increased staffing at suicide prevention hotlines and emergency resources during high-risk periods, like New Year’s Day. “By understanding these trends at a population level, we can allocate resources effectively to provide essential support and potentially reduce suicide rates,” he said.