Stigma as a barrier to suicide prevention efforts in Iran

Abstract

Suicide and suicide attempt affect a considerable part of the general population, and in spite of their prevalence, the stigma associated with suicide remains an unsolved problem surrounding this important public health problem, especially in lower-income countries such as Iran. Evidence shows that help-seeking from formal mental health services for suicidal people is low in countries like Iran. Previous studies on Iranian survivors of suicide attempts have shown that these people experience fear of stigma due to labels such as loss of faith in God, having forms of severe mental illnesses (“madness”), and being involved in unaccepted sexual relationships. The associated stigma prevents them from seeking appropriate health and social services. Although both self-stigma and public stigma contribute to an unwillingness to seek mental health care and suicide prevention efforts in Iran, public stigma may be of greater consequence, significantly impeding an individual's likelihood of accessing care for their suicidal thoughts or attempts. In such circumstances, many people with suicidal thoughts miss out on social and formal support programs offered by social and healthcare providers. In this perspective article, focusing on the public stigma regarding suicide in Iranian society, we address the challenges and barriers to seeking suicide prevention efforts in Iran and discuss culturally appropriate strategies to improve the current situation.

Characteristics of suicide attempts in Northwestern Iran: a five-year population-based survey

“…It is believed that national policies to prevent suicide have not been efficient enough and urgent intervention is needed [ 16 ]. According to the national prevention program in Iran, to prevent suicide, legal actions such as restricting access to common methods of suicide such as firearms or poisoning, reducing the stigma associated with suicide, treating mental disorders, especially depression, preventing these diseases, preventing drug abuse, involvement of and engagement with the media to improve the quality of reporting suicide attempts and to support and consultation people who have attempted suicide is necessary [ 16 – 18 ].…”

Factors associated with suicidal ideation among medical residents in Tehran during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicentric cross-sectional survey

“…Moreover, mental health stigma in the medical community discourages residents from seeking help and discussing their struggles openly. The fear of being perceived as weak hinders them from seeking professional support [47]. Additionally, the demanding nature of their training and long working hours limit their ability to prioritize mental well-being or access mental health services [8].…”

Treatment-seeking threshold and accessibility of psychiatric outpatient services in Switzerland: the relationship with stigma and self-esteem

“…Being an important barrier affecting an individual's decision to seek care for mental health problems, perceived and self-stigma have been linked to adverse outcomes, including worsened mental health symptoms, treatment avoidance, poorer treatment adherence and higher suicide risk (21)(22)(23)(24)(25).…”