Suicide: the commitment to prevention is the key – Telam

By Maureen Birmingham (*)

At the global level, but particularly in the region of the Americas, suicide is a serious public health problem. To take a dimension, about 3,000 people die each day by suicide, about 100,000 die each year from this cause in the Americas, and it is estimated that for every suicide, there are at least 20 attempts.

Suicides can occur at any age and are the third leading cause of death among 20 to 24 year olds in the region. In Argentina, accidents, suicides and homicides are the leading causes of death among 15-24 year olds, according to official data.

Although knowledge about suicidal behavior has increased considerably in recent decades, this problem remains a low priority in public health actions. In response to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, increased awareness, commitments and practical measures to prevent suicide are being promoted around the world.

Suicide is a complex problem, involving psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors that increase the vulnerability of a person to suicidal behavior. But the bottom line is to keep in mind that a lot of suicides can be prevented and that there are effective interventions to do so. For example, it is estimated that most people who die by suicide interact with a primary health care provider one month before their death. Therefore, the elimination of the stigma badociated with mental disorders, the ease of access to health services, the early detection of suicidal behavior and the effective management of the health system are essential to receive care in time. timely they need

In particular, primary health care personnel have an important role to play in the prevention, early detection and management of suicidal behavior. The SUPRE program, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative for suicide prevention, launched globally in 1999, includes a series of tools for specific and particularly relevant social and professional groups. .

First and foremost, the early detection and treatment of underlying conditions, such as depression and alcohol-related disorders and / or psychoactive substances, is essential for prevention, as well as for the follow-up of people with disabilities. attempted to commit suicide with psychosocial support. your community

In this context, WHO has also put in place an action program to address the gaps in mental health, which proposes a set of tools for expanding and improving care for mental disorders, neurological and addiction-related. Referees from different official organizations in Argentina have been trained as part of this strategy.

Effective interventions to reduce access to suicide and the implementation of policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol are equally important.

Similarly, the media is an important link in this chain. They play a key role in the prevention and prevention of deaths by suicide and in prevention, as investigations have determined that a yellow and repetitive blanket that tends to promote imitation behaviors at d & # 39; 39, other people with suicidal risk.

Refrain from using sensational language or presenting suicide as a solution to a problem, avoid photos and a detailed description of the method used, and provide information on where you can getting help are actions to get adequate communication. from subject.

In short, suicide is largely preventable with cost-effective and evidence-based measures. State leadership, a holistic approach, multisectoral coordination and social participation are needed to avoid these tragedies with irreparable consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole.

(*) Representative in Argentina of the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO).