Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in Germany: Prevalence estimates from the Panel ‘Health in Germany’ 2024

Abstract

Background: Reliable population-based information on suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts is essential for effective suicide prevention and public mental health practice but is lacking in Germany. Methods: We used representative data from 27,102 adults participating in the 2024 annual survey from the ‘Health in Germany’ panel to estimate 12-month and lifetime prevalences of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Sociodemographic patterns and service contacts (hospital/emergency department, helpline/chat, police) following suicide attempts were assessed. Results: In 2024, 6.0 % (95 % CI: 5.6 % – 6.4 %) of adults reported suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months and 18.0 % (17.4 % – 18.7 %) over their lifetime. Suicide attempts were reported by 0.6 % (0.4 % – 0.7 %) of adults in the past year and 4.8 % (4.5 % – 5.3 %) over the lifetime. Higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts was observed among younger adults and individuals with lower equivalised household income. Lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was higher among women than men and for those with lower educational attainment. Among those reporting a lifetime suicide attempt, 41.5 % (37.5 % – 45.7 %) reported hospital or emergency department contact in connection with their most recent attempt, while 53.8 % (49.7 % – 57.8 %) reported no contact with any of the three assessed services. Conclusions: Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, both important factors associated with suicide and serious health concerns in their own right, represent a substantial and socially patterned public health burden. Prevention efforts should focus on the needs of young people and address the elevated burden associated with socioeconomic disadvantage. Continuously collected population-based survey data can complement other data sources within national suicidality surveillance systems.