Suicide around public holidays.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the frequency of suicides on holidays and special days of the year, specifically in Queensland, Australia.


METHODS
We analysed data from the Queensland Suicide Register between 1990 and 2009. The days examined were: Easter, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day and Anzac Day. We compared suicide cases on these days with the average counts for periods before and after the days.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant increase in suicides on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Day. Our results are discussed in light of trends reported in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The beginning and end of the festive season are times when special attention is warranted for those with a heightened risk of suicide.
Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Emma
E
Barker
John
J
O'Gorman
Diego
D
De Leo
D006693:Holidays / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012042:Registries; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000639:trends
Australia; Queensland; festive season; holiday; risk; suicide