Suicides rising among young girls in Sweden

A new study reveals a troubling increase in suicides among young girls in Sweden, with the sharpest rise seen in the 10–14 age group, SVT Nyheter reports.

The research, conducted by the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP) at Karolinska Institutet, analysed suicide trends among children in Sweden over a 43-year period (1980–2023). While overall suicide rates in Sweden have declined since the 1980s, the study found a steady increase among young girls—particularly those aged 10 to 14—while rates for boys have remained stable.

Anna Lundh, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and one of the study’s authors, suggests societal pressures may be a contributing factor. “As a child psychiatrist, I believe this is due to multiple factors in our society that gradually place increasing demands on children and adolescents, especially girls,” she said.

Though child suicides remain rare in absolute numbers—an average of 25 deaths per year among 10–17-year-olds—the study aligns with growing concerns about deteriorating mental health among young people. The Swedish government has responded with a national mental health and suicide prevention strategy, as well as new legislation mandating investigations into every suspected youth suicide to identify preventable factors.

Desirée Lilja, whose 12-year-old daughter Karolina died by suicide, criticised the lack of support for struggling children. “I know kids who, like Karolina, say they can’t go on, that they don’t want to live anymore. But nothing happens. They aren’t listened to, because it requires resources—and the budget dictates what’s possible,” she said.

The trend mirrors similar increases reported in other countries, including the United States.

For those in distress, support is available through Sweden’s national helplines, including Mind’s Suicide Hotline (90 101) and BRIS (116 111) for children under 18.