These are the days when the risk of suicide is greatest, according to a global study

Garfield the cat might have had a point about Mondays. Newly published research on countries around the world has found that suicide risk is highest on Mondays compared to other weekdays, and always seems to increase on New Year’s Day.

Suicide is a complex phenomenon that can potentially affect anyone. But there are known factors that can influence people’s risk of suicidal thoughts, as well as the likelihood of fatal self-harm. Some research has suggested that calendar timing may be one such factor, but it is less clear which specific days and dates may influence suicidality. In this new study published In on Wednesday The BMJa large team of researchers has extensively examined the relevant data.

The scientists analyzed suicide mortality data from 740 cities and other locations in 26 countries between the years 1971 and 2019. While there were many regional differences in the number and timing of suicides, they did find some broadly consistent trends. In fact, the risk of suicides was highest on Mondays compared to other days of the work week, with approximately 15% to 18% of suicides occurring on those days. And in all countries surveyed, the risk of suicide always increased on New Year’s Day. However, the risk of suicide on weekends and during other major national holidays such as Christmas was more varied, with a higher risk in some countries and a lower risk in others.

“Our findings provide empirical evidence of the temporal variations in suicide, taking into account possible interactions between underlying vulnerable states with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as short-term psychological fluctuations arising from changing environments before, during and after holidays and weekends,” the researchers wrote. .

The findings are based on observational data, which by itself cannot prove a causal relationship between suicide risk and any factor, including the calendar. But this is not the first study to suggest that Mondays in particular can seriously influence people’s suicidal tendencies. Some studies have done so suggested that this could be due to a phenomenon known as the ‘broken promise effect’, where people will consider delaying their suicide in anticipation of a holiday or weekend, only to feel significant disappointment once the free time arrives and this is not the case. as much of a boost as expected. The start of the work week itself could also weigh more heavily on people at risk of suicide who are already stressed about their jobs, or about the start of their next weekly life cycle. As for New Year’s Eve, the researchers argue that the large amounts of alcohol common during the celebration is likely a key factor.

The researchers hope their work can better inform suicide prevention efforts. If suicide risk really does increase everywhere at New Year’s Eve, for example, then it might be especially worthwhile to run government notices advertising support services for people struggling with ideas in the run-up to that time.

“Our results provide epidemiological evidence to establish more effective action plans for suicide prevention and administrative support for improving the mental health of workers and younger generations (e.g., preventive screening and psychological support programs), which may be important for reducing suicide events. related to weekdays and holidays,” they wrote.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988 or text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line volunteer.