Suicide Rates Rise in France, Impacting Elderly Men and Young Women Most

A new report reveals a concerning increase in suicides among men over 85 and young women under 25, reversing decades of decline in France.

In 2022, France recorded 9,200 suicides, a 3.3% increase from 2021, with men accounting for three-quarters of the deaths.
Elderly men over 85 have the highest suicide rate in France, at 86 per 100,000, reflecting challenges like loss of autonomy and institutionalization.
Young women under 25 are experiencing a sharp rise in suicide attempts, with hospitalizations increasing significantly since 2016, driven by factors such as social media pressures and exposure to gender-based violence.
The overall suicide rate in France now stands at 13.3 per 100,000, higher than the average for Western and Northern Europe.
The report raises questions about societal support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, and explores the potential role of assisted dying in suicide prevention.