Since the 1970s, Greenland has had one of the highest suicide rates in the world, and it is especially young people who die by suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified the importance of identifying both risk as well as protective factors in relation to suicide and prevention.
Much of Arctic suicide research has shifted the focus from risk factors for suicide to the protective factors that can help prevent suicide. Protective factors can contribute to increased well-being and mental health.
In the Arctic, protective factors are often linked to cultural knowledge and practice, intergenerational relationships and a healthy community and family. These have also been found relevant and important in the work regarding promotion of well-being in Greenland. Known risk factors are especially related to difficult upbringing conditions, conflict-filled relationships, life trauma and social inequality.