In 2025, the film world mourned the loss of Jeff Baena, a writer and director known for his comedic independent films like "Life After Beth" and "The Little Hours," often starring his wife, Aubrey Plaza. Baena also co-wrote "I Heart Huckabees" and left behind a legacy of unique and thought-provoking cinema.
Provisional data indicates a 2.5% decrease in suicides for 2024 compared to 2023, which was later revised to show 434 suicide deaths, a significant increase from the initial count. The SOS organization is actively training individuals to identify and assist those in distress, with nearly 1,112 people receiving counselling and support services in 2024.
The House of Commons is set to vote on the controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which aims to allow terminally ill patients to seek medical assistance for ending their lives. Many MPs who previously supported the proposal are now expressing concerns over amendments that critics argue compromise the bill's safety and integrity.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched in 2022, has provided support to millions, with usage varying significantly across states and regions, and researchers are studying these patterns. While the lifeline faces potential funding cuts for specialized services, it remains a crucial resource for mental health support, especially given the prevalence of mental illness in the U.S.
Suriname faces a severe suicide crisis, with a significant number of deaths attributed to paraquat, a readily available and highly toxic pesticide. Recognizing the devastating impact, researchers and philanthropists are actively working to limit access to dangerous pesticides like paraquat, believing this could be a crucial step in reducing the country's high suicide rate.
Thomas Kingston, who tragically took his own life in February 2024, had been facing significant financial difficulties, with debts nearing £50 million linked to his company, Devonport Capital Ltd.
A significant rise in suicide rates among Japanese elementary school children has been observed, particularly between April and June, coinciding with the start of the school year. Research highlights the concerning trends, especially among girls aged 8-12, underscoring the need for targeted interventions for at-risk children.
Osaka police arrested three individuals, including a self-proclaimed spiritual leader, on suspicion of inciting two men to commit suicide five years ago on a beach in Wakayama Prefecture. The suspects allegedly encouraged the victims, a 66-year-old company employee and a 51-year-old part-time worker, to take their own lives in August 2020.
Tory MP Kit Malthouse sparked controversy by trying to silence criticism of a parliamentary committee after it rejected amendments aimed at protecting people with Down Syndrome from assisted dying legislation. Campaign groups voice concerns that vulnerable individuals remain inadequately safeguarded, though bill sponsor Kim Leadbeater maintains existing provisions are sufficiently protective.
Former inmate Richard MacInnis reveals disturbing conditions surrounding Richard Murray's suicide in a Halifax jail, highlighting potential neglect and insufficient mental health monitoring. Murray's family is suing, alleging authorities failed in their duty of care, while the province denies wrongdoing.
Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his courtroom, marking a somber end to his tenure after losing a re-election bid. His death, which is currently under investigation, has deeply affected his family and the community, further complicated by a pending wrongful termination lawsuit against him.
A coroner in Singapore ruled the death of 46-year-old Ms. Geno Ong Kay Yong as a suicide, attributing it partly to escalating legal costs from multiple lawsuits against her. The findings revealed that Ong faced significant financial stress from these cases, which contributed to her mental distress prior to her tragic fall.
The Sarco "suicide pod" could be brought to the UK if assisted dying is legalized, with Dr. Philip Nitschke, its creator, expressing interest in launching the device should legislation pass.
A newly established suicide attempt data tracking system in Japan indicates that women in their 20s are the predominant demographic among those requiring emergency care after an attempt, with drug overdoses being the most common method.
Former Duke basketball player Kyle Singler posted a troubling video on Instagram expressing fears for his life, leading to an outpouring of support from the basketball community. Singler, who described feeling mistreated and neglected, was a part of Duke's 2010 championship team and has received messages of solidarity from NBA players following his post.
John Veloudos, a 24-year-old law and commerce student, completed a grueling 100km ultramarathon to raise money and awareness for Running for Resilience, a Canberra charity focused on mental health. Matt Breen, co-founder of the organization, shared his own story of overcoming mental health struggles and emphasized the importance of community support in coping with difficult times.
Despite a decline in overall suicides in Japan, the number of elementary to high school students who took their own lives remained alarmingly high in 2023, with 513 deaths reported, nearly identical to the record high of the previous year. The government has implemented an emergency program to address this concerning trend.
Suicide rates among young people in Japan remain alarmingly high, with 513 elementary, junior high, and high school students taking their own lives in 2023. The government plans to implement urgent countermeasures to address this issue, aiming to create a society where children feel supported and valued.
A Singapore teenager who killed his schoolmate with an axe at River Valley High School has lost his appeal against his 16-year jail sentence. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, noting that the teenager's actions were premeditated and that he understood the nature and wrongfulness of his acts.
Nicola Hawkins' father, John, chose to end his life in Switzerland due to his terminal illness and the illegality of assisted dying in the UK. Nicola believes this decision robbed her of precious time with her father and advocates for the legalization of assisted dying to offer individuals autonomy and dignity in their final moments.
