the reality is likely a complex combination of the two combined with a range of possible external factors the suicide rate in norway in was marginally higher that of neighbouring sweden and more significantly higher than that of denmark suicide rates in finland remain higher than in norway but have been falling at a far greater rate see figure chapter the norwegian mental health service is aiming to avoid longterm inpatient stays and has taken some steps to reduce admissions referral to inpatient care can be made by gps emergency clinics community mental health care teams cmhc teams or clinical units the increase in the number of discharges became possible with a significant shortening of the duration of stay from an average of days in to days in pedersen