Crete records suicide rates approximately double the national average, according to a leading psychiatry expert who has raised concerns over the scale of the issue and the urgent need for improved prevention and mental health support systems.
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry Alexandros Vgontzas notes that the island sees around 43 to 44 suicides annually, with men accounting for roughly 80% of cases. His comments come amid renewed attention following three such cases in Heraklion recently.
Long-term data shows persistent high rates
Referring to data spanning from 1999 to 2023, the professor stated that approximately 1,100 people have died by suicide in Crete during this period. He emphasized that the rate per 100,000 residents is about twice as high as in the rest of the country.
He also highlighted that the most commonly reported methods include hanging and the use of firearms.
Mental health and contributing factors
According to Vgontzas, suicidal behaviour is often associated with severe psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, and major depression. However, he stressed that biological and genetic factors may also play a significant role, referring to what he described as a “genetic burden” in the region.
He added that intense feelings of despair are a central driver behind suicidal decisions.
International studies, he noted, suggest that spring months tend to show higher incidence rates, although the reasons remain unclear.
High-risk groups and social factors
People over the age of 60 are identified as a particularly vulnerable group, especially those facing health problems or bereavement, such as the loss of a partner. In these cases, social support is considered critical.
The professor also pointed to stigma surrounding mental illness as a major barrier preventing individuals from seeking help, alongside insufficiently staffed and fragmented public mental health services.
Call for urgent prevention measures
Vgontzas called for the creation of a 24-hour crisis hotline staffed by mental health professionals, arguing that such a service could save lives. He noted that similar proposals have been made in the past but have not been implemented.
He estimated the cost of operating such a service for two years at around €200,000, describing it as a modest investment compared to the human cost of inaction.
Advice on suicide prevention
The professor urged open discussion about suicidal thoughts and encouraged people to ask direct questions when they suspect someone is in distress, including whether they are considering self-harm and whether they have a plan or means.
He stressed the importance of taking warning signs seriously, remaining calm, and ensuring that individuals at risk are not left alone. Immediate professional help, he said, should always be sought, and confidentiality promises should not prevent intervention.
Finally, he underlined the need for stronger community-based mental health services and crisis intervention centres, stating that many suicides could potentially be prevented with timely support and proper infrastructure.
