Suicide in Europe in the Context of the Global Economic Crisis

Starting from Durkheim's hypothesis according to which crisis periods cause a significant increase in the number of suicides, the author examines several variables associated with the recent economic crisis and the extent to which they influence suicide rates in Europe, including Romania. In this respect, an assessment is made of the findings of theoretical studies and empirical surveys conducted in several European countries, according to which the increase of unemployment rates, the decline of welfare standards and the deterioration of health conditions (including those related to mental health) are among the main factors associated with the increase of suicide rates in different countries.