Malta Among EU Countries With Lowest Suicide Death Rates, Eurostat Figures Show

Malta recorded one of the lowest suicide death rates in the European Union in 2023, according to figures published by Eurostat.

The country registered a standardised death rate of six per 100,000 inhabitants for intentional self-harm, compared with the EU average of 10 per 100,000.

 

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Only Cyprus and Greece recorded lower rates, with four deaths per 100,000 inhabitants each, while Italy registered the same rate as Malta.

At the other end of the rankings, Lithuania recorded the highest rate at 19 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Slovenia and Hungary, both at approximately 16.

Across the EU, men were 3.6 times more likely than women to die from intentional self-harm, with higher male death rates recorded in every member state.

The difference was observed across age groups, with men under 65 recording a rate 3.5 times that of women in the same age group.

Among people aged 65 and over, the male rate was four times that of women.

The findings form part of Eurostat’s wider report on mental and behavioural disorders, which also examined deaths linked to dementia, alcohol use and drug dependence.

While Malta’s suicide death rate was below the EU average, the figures also revealed a significant gender disparity, with the male rate eight times higher than the female rate.

Eurostat noted that standardised death rates account for differences in population age structures, allowing comparisons between countries.

The figures refer to deaths recorded in 2023 and do not measure the overall prevalence of mental health conditions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts, support is available

Mental Health Support Services in Malta and Gozo General Crisis Support

Mental Health Helpline
Phone: 1579
Available 24/7
A 24-hour national telephone helpline, providing immediate and free emotional support, advice and practical guidance for anyone in need.

Richmond Foundation 24/7 Helpline
Phone: 1770
Available 24/7
Website: richmond.org.mt
Free and confidential mental health support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.

Mental Health Crisis Team (Crisis Resolution Malta)
Phone: 9933 9966
24/7 mobile crisis response team offering immediate in-person or phone support for people experiencing severe mental distress.

112 – Emergency Services
For urgent, life-threatening situations or when someone is at immediate risk of harm.

Emotional Support and Suicide Prevention

Supportline 179 (Foundation for Social Welfare Services)
Phone: 179
Available 24/7
Offers emotional support, guidance, and referral services for anyone facing personal, emotional, or family-related difficulties.

Kellimni.com
Anonymous online chat platform
Available 24/7
Website: kellimni.com
Confidential chat, email, and web-based support for youth and adults seeking someone to talk to.

Kriżi App (by Crisis Resolution Malta)
Available on Android and iOS
A self-help app offering mood tracking, anonymous chat, coping tools, and an emergency contact button that connects directly to professionals. Designed for individuals needing immediate and private support.

Victim Support Malta
Phone: 21228333
Website: victimsupport.org.mt
Provides emotional, psychological, and legal assistance to victims of trauma.

Youth-Focused Support

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ – Youth Support Services
Phone: 2258 6700
Website: agenzijazghazagh.gov.mt
Support and mentoring programmes for young people aged 13 to 30.

ANKRA Youth (by Richmond Foundation)
Website: ankrayouth.org
Mental health support for youth and young adults. Includes peer support, information resources, and access to the 1770 helpline and OLLI Chat.

Live Chat and Online Support

OLLI Chat (by Richmond Foundation)
Website: olli.chat
Available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm
A free and confidential live chat service with trained staff offering emotional and mental health support. Ideal for those who prefer typing over talking.

Clinical Mental Health Services

Mount Carmel Hospital – Outpatient Clinic
Phone: 2141 5183
Access via GP referral or A&E
Provides psychiatric assessments, therapy, and medication for patients with ongoing mental health needs.

OASI Foundation (Gozo)
Phone: 2156 3333
Available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm
Website: oasi.org.mt
Provides support for addiction, mental health, and wellbeing services in Gozo.

You are not alone. These services exist to listen, support, and guide – not judge. Reaching out might not solve everything overnight, but it could be the first step toward meaningful change.

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