- It is estimated that every 45 seconds a person commits suicide somewhere in the world.
- From 2018 to 2020, suicides in children between 10 and 14 years old increased 37% and 12% in female adolescents between 15 and 19 years old.
- During the same period, adolescent suicidal thinking increased from 5.1% to 6.9% and adolescent suicidal behavior increased from 3.9% to 6.0%.
Slowly but steadily the Suicide has been on the rise in Mexico and the rest of the world, but the most worrying thing is that more and more young people end their lives in this way. It is a public health problem that is out of control and therefore requires new strategies to achieve a decrease in the numbers.
Current national panorama
Just to keep in mind, from 2018 to 2020 in children between 10 and 14 years old the cases increased 37% and in female adolescents between 15 and 19 years old the increase was 12%. In addition, suicidal thoughts in young people went from 5.1% to 6.9%. While suicidal behavior increased from 3.9% to 6.0%.
For her part, Dr. Jacqueline Cortés, a specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and president of the Mexican Psychiatric Association (APM) Biennium 2022-2023, mentions that Every 45 seconds someone takes their own life somewhere in the world. As a consequence, 703 thousand cases are registered each year.
According to National Institute of Statistic and Geography (INEGI)[5]In Mexico, from 2021 to date, the number of suicides has increased, whether due to conflicts, catastrophes, violent acts, abuse, loss of loved ones, a feeling of isolation, depression, alcohol consumption or mental disorders.
For this reason, Dr. Alejandro Molina, president-elect of the Mexican Psychiatric Association, pointed out that it is necessary to raise awareness that each death by suicide is a public health problem with a profound impact on those around them. He added that by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging informed action, we can reduce suicide in our country.”[6]
Warning Signs That May Indicate Someone Might Commit Suicide
1. Talk about wanting to die or wanting to kill yourself.
2. Feeling empty or hopeless, or having no reason to live.
3. Talk about feeling trapped or thinking there is no solution.
4. Feeling unbearable physical or emotional pain.
5. Talk about being a burden to others.
6. Withdraw from family and friends.
7. Giving away important possessions.
8. Say goodbye to friends and family.
9. Talking or thinking about death frequently.
Other serious warning signs that someone is in danger
1. Show extreme changes in mood, suddenly going from being very sad to feeling very calm or happy.
2. Making plans or looking for ways to commit suicide, such as looking for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun.
3. Talk about feeling very guilty or ashamed.
4. Using alcohol or drugs more often.
5. Being anxious or agitated.
6. Change eating or sleeping habits.
7. Showing anger or talking about seeking revenge.
It should be noted that these signs are not always obvious. Suicidal thoughts and desires can be kept secret. All of these threats communicate desperation and are a cry for help. Therefore, as a society we have an obligation to take care of each other, take care of our physical and mental health.
“We are facing a problem of global dimension and we must look after those people who are in a situation of greater vulnerability. Mental health and suicide prevention must be an act of co-responsibility among all today more than ever”, said Dr. Carlos Alberto Arnaud, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Sub-specialist in Psychosomatic Medicine.
For his part, Dr. Agustín Osorio, medical manager at Psicofarma, pointed out that part of the suicides often have a mental disorder or a stressful situation. In addition, in population terms, we are usually not informed about the possible causes that originate them and the way in which we can prevent them.
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