Citation

Barker E, O'Gorman J, De Leo D. Australas. Psychiatry 2014; 22(2): 122-126.

Affiliation

Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1039856213519293

PMID

24500699

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the frequency of suicides on holidays and special days of the year, specifically in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: We analysed data from the Queensland Suicide Register between 1990 and 2009. The days examined were: Easter, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day and Anzac Day. We compared suicide cases on these days with the average counts for periods before and after the days. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in suicides on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Day. Our results are discussed in light of trends reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: The beginning and end of the festive season are times when special attention is warranted for those with a heightened risk of suicide.

Language: en