Malta’s Male Suicide Death Rate Eight Times Higher Than Female Rate In 2023
Malta recorded the largest gender disparity in suicide death rates across the European Union in 2023, with the standardised rate for men eight times higher than that for women.
According to figures published by Eurostat, Malta had the highest male-to-female ratio among all 27 EU member states, significantly exceeding the EU-wide average of 3.6.
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The findings show that men were more likely than women to die from intentional self-harm in every EU country, although the size of the difference varied considerably.
The Netherlands recorded the smallest disparity, with the male death rate 2.4 times that of women.
Despite recording the EU’s largest gender gap, Malta remained among the countries with the lowest overall suicide death rates, registering six deaths per 100,000 inhabitants compared with the EU average of 10.
Across the bloc, the difference between male and female suicide death rates was also evident across different age groups.
Among people younger than 65, the male rate was 3.5 times higher than the female rate, while among those aged 65 and over, it was four times higher.
Lithuania recorded the largest absolute difference between male and female suicide death rates, with 34 deaths per 100,000 men compared with seven per 100,000 women.
Eurostat’s findings highlight how differences between male and female suicide mortality rates can vary substantially between countries, even when overall national rates are comparatively low.
The statistics are based on deaths recorded in 2023 and use standardised rates to account for differences in population structures across EU countries.
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 SupportMental 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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