Why Does Greenland Have The World's Highest Suicide Rate?

Inuit man with a kayak, 1854. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Greenland, the vast and beautiful country known for its breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, was once a place where suicide was unknown. The Inuit, who have lived in Greenland for thousands of years, believed that life was sacred and that taking one's own life was a great taboo. However, in the last few decades, suicides in Greenland have become a major problem, with rates that are among the highest in the world.

The origin of suicides in Greenland can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when the country underwent a series of significant changes. At the time, Greenland was still a Danish colony, and the Danish government began to implement policies aimed at modernizing and industrializing the country. These policies included the introduction of Western education and healthcare and the building of modern infrastructure such as roads and airports.

While these changes brought some benefits, they also had negative consequences. For many Inuit, the traditional way of life that they had known for generations was disrupted. The close-knit communities that they lived in were broken up, and many people found themselves living in urban areas where they felt isolated and disconnected from their cultural roots.

Another factor that contributed to the rise of suicides in Greenland was the loss of the Inuit's spiritual beliefs. The Inuit have a rich cultural heritage that is rooted in the belief in spirits, both good and evil, that inhabit the natural world. However, with the arrival of Western education, many Inuit began to question these beliefs, and many lost the sense of purpose and belonging that they once had.

Inuit grandmother and child rubbing noses. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

The first recorded suicide in Greenland was in the late 1960s, and the numbers have continued to rise ever since. The issue has become so severe that it has been declared a public health crisis, and the government has taken steps to address it. However, despite these efforts, the suicide rate in Greenland remains one of the highest in the world.

The causes of suicides in Greenland are complex and multifactorial. In many cases, it is a result of a combination of factors such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and a lack of mental health services. There is also evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role, as suicide runs in some families.

Greenland's suicide rate is the highest in the world. Reports from 1985 to 2012 indicate that 83 people in 100,000 died by suicide yearly.

"According to suicide data published by Statistics Greenland, suicide accounts for 8% of total deaths in Greenland and is the leading cause of death among young men aged 15–29".

The impact of suicides in Greenland is devastating, not just for those who have lost their lives but for the families and communities that are left behind. For the Inuit, suicide is not just a personal tragedy, but a cultural one as well. It is a reminder of the loss of their traditional way of life and their spiritual beliefs.

(Source: rawpixel).

In recent years, there have been a number of initiatives aimed at reducing suicides in Greenland. These include the provision of mental health services, the creation of support networks, and the development of culturally appropriate approaches to mental health care. There have also been efforts to educate the public about the causes and warning signs of suicide and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Despite these efforts, the problem of suicides in Greenland remains complex and difficult to solve. It will require a sustained effort from all levels of society, including government, communities, and individuals. The Inuit themselves must also play a role in addressing the issue, by reclaiming their cultural heritage and finding new ways to cope with the challenges of modern life.

Greenland glaciers, 1853. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

These horrendous statistics are a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, providing adequate mental health services, and addressing the root causes of poverty and unemployment. While the road ahead may be long and difficult, awareness is the beginning of the solution.