Why suicide rates are dropping around the world

This article argues that means restriction such as reducing access to common suicide methods is effective in reducing suicide rates globally. It begins by taking the example of post WWII Britain, which experienced rising suicide rates after WWII, many of which were carried out by the use of carbon monoxide gas which was readily available from heating systems in homes around that time. However, once other cheaper methods of heat/gas production became popular (which didn't produce carbon monoxide), suicide rates began to drop, and suicide by carbon monoxide was almost zero.

This example highlights the fact that suicide is often an unplanned, spur of the moment act. Further evidence is presented by showing that bans of pesticides, using barriers on high structures, regulating smaller medication packet sizes, and applying gun controls all seem to decrease the suicide rate as well. This was definitely an interesting read for me, as I assumed that any person attempting suicide would someone who has suffered for a long time through some sort of trauma or mental health problems.