In January of this year, 234 Kazakhstanis died by suicide — 3 people (or 1.3%) fewer than in the same period last year. Most individuals who committed suicide were sober (177 people), fewer were under the influence of alcohol (50 people), and 7 people were affected by other mental health conditions.
A significant majority — 82.1% — of registered suicides were men, totaling 192 individuals. Difficult life situations were more likely to result in tragic outcomes among mature men. The highest number of suicides in January 2025 were recorded among men aged 35–44 (47 people), 45–54 (38 people), and 55–64 (29 people). These groups together accounted for nearly 60% of all male suicides.
In the same month, 42 women died by suicide, fewer than the previous year (51 women). Most often, these tragedies involved women aged 18–24 and 45–54 (8 people in each group), as well as those aged 35–44 (7 people).
It's notable that 5.6% of suicides involved minors (13 people). Most of them (11 individuals) came from complete families.
Regionally, Almaty region recorded the highest number of suicides: 24 cases, more than twice the number compared to the same period last year. Relatively high figures were also observed in Turkestan (23 cases) and Aktobe regions (20 cases). The fewest suicides occurred in Ulytau and Kyzylorda regions, as well as in Shymkent.
The primary factor preceding suicidal behavior in January was severe financial hardship, leading to tragic outcomes for 26 people — twice as many as in January 2024.
Strong feelings of loneliness led to 14 suicides, while poor living conditions were the reason for 8 suicides. Relationship breakups, including divorce, accounted for 7 cases; serious somatic illnesses for 5 cases; conflicts with relatives for 4 cases; conflicts with spouses for 2 cases; conflicts with parents for 1 case. Additionally, one person died by suicide due to the loss of loved ones and one due to fear of punishment for wrongdoing.
It is important to note that these cases only reflect situations where determining factors were known. Meanwhile, the reasons for the tragic decisions of 170 out of 234 individuals remain unknown.
The most frequently recorded suicide method in Kazakhstan remains hanging. In January 2025, 188 people chose this method — a 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
Other methods commonly chosen were poisoning (11 people), use of sharp objects (11 people), jumping from heights (9 people), and firearms (5 people).
Regarding locations, most suicides occurred in residential premises, with 143 cases. Suicides also took place outdoors (15 people), at workplaces (3 people), in basements (2 people), and in medical institutions (1 person). Another 70 individuals died by suicide in other locations.
