Shifting Distribution and Lethality Profile of Suicide Methods in Türkiye Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Forensic Epidemiological Study

Background/Objectives: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide method distribution and lethality profiles remains insufficiently studied, particularly in the post-pandemic period. This study aimed to examine temporal changes in suicide methods and lethality profiles in Türkiye across three distinct periods: pre-pandemic (2016–2019), pandemic (2020–2022), and post-pandemic (2023–2025). Methods: National suicide statistics published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) for 2016–2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Suicide methods were classified as high-lethality (case fatality rate [CFR] > 50%) or low-lethality (CFR < 50%). Chi-square tests, Cramér’s V, and linear regression were applied. Methods without available CFR data (train/vehicle collision, self-immolation, other) were excluded from lethality analyses. Results: A total of 38,498 suicide deaths were recorded. The crude suicide rate increased from 4.03 to 5.36 per 100,000 (R2 = 0.909; p < 0.001), reaching its highest level in 2025. Firearm use declined during the pandemic (30.0% to 26.9%; p < 0.001), whereas jumping from height increased during the pandemic and remained elevated post-pandemic (12.1%, 13.9%, and 13.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). Chemical substance use temporarily increased during the pandemic (4.8% to 6.3%; p < 0.001), while natural/liquefied gas use increased post-pandemic (0.7%; p = 0.002). Conclusions: The crude suicide rate increased during the study period; however, this increase was not accompanied by a sustained shift toward higher-lethality methods. Post-pandemic suicide prevention strategies should be maintained, with particular attention to means restriction and sex-sensitive surveillance and prevention strategies.