BAKU, AZERBAIJAN Man, for unknown reasons, decided to end his life and threw himself down from the window of a high-rise building in the Azerbaijani capital. All onlookers were left shocked. It was immediately clear to all that this was a height from which he had zero chance of survival.
Azerbaijan faces a serious issue with its high suicide rate, a concerning trend compared to other countries in the region. The main factors include mental health, which remains a taboo topic, economic problems such as high unemployment and rising living costs, and social pressure on individuals to meet societal expectations.
Mental health issues often go unresolved due to limited access to care and fear of stigma. High stress from economic and social insecurity increases the risk of suicide. In recent years, programs have been launched to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, though access to professional help remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. Addressing this issue requires improving access to care, eliminating stigma, and ensuring better economic stability.
If you’re thinking about suicide, please stop and recognize that your pain is not permanent, but this step would be. It may feel like there’s no other way, but there is hope, even if it’s hard to see right now. Your feelings are temporary, and with help, they can pass.
Talking about what you're going through might feel difficult, but it’s the first step toward healing. Don’t turn away from the people who want to support you. Life can offer more than what you're feeling right now, and the pain doesn't have to last forever. You deserve help, and it’s available.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
