More than 800 000 people die by suicide every year, according to WHO's first global report on suicide prevention, published today.

Pesticide poisoning, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally. Evidence from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States and a number of European countries reveals that limiting access to these means can help prevent people dying by suicide.

Suicide occurs all over the world and can take place at almost any age. Globally, suicide rates are highest in people aged 70 years and over. In some countries, however, the highest rates are found among the young. Notably, suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds globally.

Generally, more men die by suicide than women. In richer countries, three times as many men die by suicide than women.

In low- and middle-income countries, young adults and elderly women have higher rates of suicide than their counterparts in high-income countries.

According to data provided by Armenian National Institute of Healthcare, 79 people (59 men and 20 women) committed suicide in Armenia in 2012. In other words, men were exposed to 3 times as much risk of dying from suicide than women. Out of them, 11 were 15-29 year-olds and 11 - aged 70 years and over. As to people suffering from mental disorders, 45 cases of suicide attempt were reported, with 28 marked as failed.

Reducing access to means of suicide is one way to reduce deaths. Other effective measures include responsible reporting of suicide in the media, such as avoiding language that sensationalizes suicide and avoiding explicit description of methods used, and early identification and management of mental and substance use disorders in communities and by health workers in particular.