Attempted suicide and major public holidays in Europe: findings from the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Parasuicide

Abstract

There appears to be a transposition of a significant number of suicide attempts from before (and during) a major public holiday until after it. The division of holidays into non-working and working days showed that a 'holiday effect' could only be found around major public holidays, particularly Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. These findings support the theory of the 'broken-promise effect' for major public holidays.

Profile differences between overdose and non-overdose suicide attempts in a multi-ethnic Asian society

“…The lowest number of suicide attempts in January and February can be explained by the fact that they are the first few months of the year with major national holidays which could be associated with the positive outlook that things will change for the better. This is in accordance with major holidays being preceded by lower number of suicide attempts [37, 38]. …”

The happy face of mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation is associated with perceptions of happiness as rated by outside observers

“…Although it is difficult to pin down why this was happening, there is some previous evidence suggesting that Christmas holidays may actually be associated with decreases in happiness (Kasser & Sheldon, 2002). Christmas and New Year holidays appear to be risk factors for deaths from many diseases (Phillips, Barker, & Brewer, 2010), for higher psychiatric admissions (Velamoor, Cernovsky, & Voruganti, 1999), and suicide attempts (Jessen et al, 1999). Although we can only speculate about the reason for this drop in happiness among the control group, it does not undermine our central finding that meditators did look happier at T2, as observed by strangers.…”

Suicide around public holidays

“…11 Studies including Emergency Department presentations for non-fatal suicidal behaviour have found similar results to those focusing on fatal suicidal behaviour. Jessen et al 5 find fewer suicide attempts than expected before Christmas, but more attempts after Christmas (a 39% increase) and on New Year's Day. 5 However, these results were not as consistent as with fatal suicidal behaviour: research finds a decrease in admissions on Christmas day, but no significant increase in the following 11 days.…”

“…Jessen et al 5 find fewer suicide attempts than expected before Christmas, but more attempts after Christmas (a 39% increase) and on New Year's Day. 5 However, these results were not as consistent as with fatal suicidal behaviour: research finds a decrease in admissions on Christmas day, but no significant increase in the following 11 days. 12 Valentine's Day appears to be the only special day, other than New Year's Day, that sees an increase in suicidal behaviour on the holiday itself.…”