Child suicides in Japan are the highest they have been in more than three decades, the country's education ministry says. In the fiscal year 2016/7 up to March, 250 children from elementary to high school age were recorded as having taken their own lives. The number is five more than last year, and the highest it has been since 1986. Concerns the children had reported included family problems, worrying about their futures and bullying. But schools said the reasons behind about 140 of the deaths are unknown as the students did not leave a note. Most of those who took their lives were of high school age, where Japanese students typically study until they are aged 18. A report released by Japan's Cabinet Office in 2015 looked at child suicide data in the country from 1972-2013, which recognised a massive peak at the start of the second term of the school year on 1 September. Japan had one of the highest suicide rates in 2015 but since preventative measures were introduced, the figures have dropped, according to the World Health Organization. Overall suicides across Japan fell to about 21,000 in 2017, police say, down from a peak of about 34,500 in 2003.
Why does Japan have such a high suicide rate?
However, child suicide rates remain relatively high making it the leading cause of death among young people in the country."The number of suicides of students has stayed high, and that is an alarming issue which should be tackled," education ministry official Noriaki Kitazaki said as the latest figures were released.If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations which offer advice and support;
In the UK you can call for free, at any time, to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066. click here
In Japan you can get help here
In Ireland you can get professional help through:
A GP: Find a local family doctor (G.P.) or health centre by visiting the HSE.ie online service finder. If it's late in the evening, night time or the weekend, contact a G.P. out of hours service. G.P.s are also listed under ‘General Practitioners’ in the Golden Pages. Hospital emergency services.
Go to or contact the Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital. Hospitals are listed on the HSE.ie online service finder. You can also contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if you or someone else has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.
H.S.E. Mental health services: If you have been (or are currently) supported by a mental health team, go to the Emergency Department or contact the service you are attending and ask for an appointment as soon as possible.
Listening service: Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope. For confidential, non-judgemental support;
Free call 116 123 in the Republic of Ireland or the UK
Text 087 2 60 90 90 (the Republic of Ireland, standard message rates apply)
Email jo@samaritans.ie
Visit www.samaritans.ie for details of the nearest branch.
You might need to try a few options before you find appropriate support but don't give up trying - there is help available. If possible, ask someone to come along with you to the support service you contact.
Go to YourMentalHealth.ie to search for support in your local area, and information on what to do when someone tells you they are suicidal or at risk of self-harm.