Key Points

The situation in the region remains more unfavorable (regardless of gender) than the national average for suicide mortality indicators in 2017 (latest consolidated data) and hospitalization rates for suicide attempts in 2019, although the gaps are narrowing compared to the indicators observed two years prior. The impact of managing suicidal ideation and attempts on emergency department activity is significant, particularly among 11- to 24-year-olds. The region even has one of the highest rates of hospitalization following a visit to the emergency department for a suicide attempt in France.

The decline in suicide mortality observed in 2015 continued through 2017, regardless of gender. This trend is encouraging, given recent indicators (page 23) and despite the lack of a consolidated regional mortality indicator for the period between 2018 and 2022. The number of suicide deaths is underestimated by approximately 10% in France (due to underreporting, the existence of “hidden” suicides, or cases where the intentionality of the act is not clearly established; deaths being reported as poisonings, accidents, or deaths of undetermined cause). Nevertheless, given that this underreporting is a constant, the downward trend is confirmed (ONS Reports, 2014 and 2016). Suicide deaths are more common among men, and the regional rate for those aged 50–59 is among the highest in metropolitan France.

Although the number of people hospitalized in 2021 is within the usual range, the hospitalization rate was higher than that of 2017–2019 for young people aged 10 to 24 and for women. Emergency room visits for suicide attempts among 11- to 24-year-olds also increased in 2020–2021. These results underscore the need to continue monitoring indicators and implementing prevention measures.

Regional heterogeneity is observed across departmental indicators: Nièvre and Saône-et-Loire have the most unfavorable situation (all genders) in terms of mortality (subject to underestimation) and hospitalizations in general medical wards. Data on emergency department visits for suicidal behavior at the departmental level should be interpreted in light of the lack of integration of psychiatric emergency services and an evolving system. In 2021, Nièvre had the lowest emergency department activity and the highest hospitalization rate for suicide attempts. Conversely, Haute-Saône had some of the highest emergency department activity, a hospitalization rate below the regional average, and one of the highest mortality rates among women in 2015–2017. The Territoire-de-Belfort had a hospitalization rate for women twice as high as that for men in 2017–2019. The specificities observed by data source and the differences between data sources can be explained in part by the heterogeneity of care pathways, by the level of psychiatric care capacity (beds and beds), by different coding practices, and not by an epidemiological reality.