A new questionnaire from the Ministry of Welfare examines suicidal risk situations among people in distress

The data published for the first time show that 5,489 people have completed the questionnaire since its publication in December, of which 1,389 were at a high level of danger and 605 at a high level of acute danger.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, every year about 400 people end their lives in Israel, but experts believe that the number is higher.

Meirav Cohen

20/02/2022

Sunday, 20 February 2022, 15:18 Updated: 15:19

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The questionnaire is also intended for friends and family members of people experiencing difficulties (Photo: ShutterStock)

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Security has published the first online questionnaire of its kind examining suicidal risk situations intended for people in distress, crisis or state of mental pain.

The data published today (Sunday) show that 5,489 people filled out the questionnaire from the date of its publication on December 9, 2001, of which 1,389 were at a high level of danger and 605 at an acute level of danger.

It also shows that 46% of the questionnaires were filled out by the person diagnosed, and that most of the respondents to the questionnaire are women.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, every year about 400 people in Israel end their lives, but experts believe that the number is even higher and in many cases death is not classified as suicide.

Men commit suicide three times more than women (79% of suicides are men and 21% women) and among age groups a high percentage of suicides are aged 75 and over.

They estimate that the true number is closer to 500 cases each year.

The anonymous questionnaire compiled by experts in the study of the phenomenon of suicide is also intended for friends and family members of people experiencing difficulties, and at the end, recommendations are received as to who can be contacted for assistance, especially the mental health centers of the Ministry of Health.

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"Investing thought and resources."

Minister Cohen (Photo: TPS, Shalom Shalom)

Minister of Welfare and Social Security, Meir Cohen: "We have set up an inter-ministerial committee to provide an emergency response to young people, both because it has the greatest jump in mental illness but also from a perception that deterioration can be prevented if treated at a young age. We invest a lot of thought and resources in development "Services that will help prevent mental crisis and distress for adults as well, and one of them is the self-diagnosis questionnaire, which ends with a referral for assistance."

Meanwhile, a few days ago a patient hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of Sheba Medical Center who went out for ventilation around the hospital with the approval of the ward and according to the strict and accepted procedures, was found lifeless several hours on the hospital grounds.

The incident was reported to the Ministry of Health and all relevant parties, as required.

The hospital said that they are examining the details of the case and the conclusions and insights will be reported to the Ministry of Health.

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• Ministry of Health

• Suicide

• Ministry of Welfare

• Mental Health