Campaign to combat suicide

Suicide has in recent years been the biggest cause of death in Iceland among men aged 18-25. Each year sees 4-6 young men take their own life. A new campaign by the Red Cross has increased calls to the helpline 1717 and the internet chatline 1717.is by 33 percent. 

The campaign is called, Útmeða (meaning ‘out with it’) and is a project aimed at combating and preventing suicide among young men in Iceland. The video accompanying the campaign has been shared over 10.000 times on social media. It shows a young man committing suicide at a deserted farm in Iceland. 

"We want people to speak out about emotional problems with respect and responsability. We want to encourage young men to put their feelings into words and not to keep the sadness inside. People shouldn't be afraid to seek help for mental problems, just like they seek help for physical problems, it's nothing to be ashamed of," says Hjálmar Karlsson at the Red Cross. 

You can support the project by calling (+354) 904 1500 to donate ISK 1,500 (approx. €10) or by making a free donation to bank account no 546-14-411114 (national ID number 531180-0469).