Spanish
Every September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated, a date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the magnitude of a problem that affects all ages and contexts, and which constitutes one of the main preventable causes of death in the world.
According to international figures, it is estimated that more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, and for each completed case there are many more attempts. Specialists agree that most of these episodes can be avoided if risk factors are identified in time and adequate professional support is offered.
Suicide is not always associated with a prior psychiatric diagnosis. Although depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia increase vulnerability, other factors also influence it, such as difficulty managing emotional losses, chronic illnesses, social pressure, or the perceived inability to cope with an overwhelming situation.
According to the most recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from some mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common. A study based on global surveys published in The Lancet Psychiatry indicates that nearly 50% of the world's population will develop at least one mental health disorder during their lifetime.
Warning signs
Mental health specialists emphasize that it is essential for the family and close environment to be attentive to changes in behavior.
In children, the most frequent signs are isolation, a sudden drop in school performance, extreme shyness, and refusal to attend classes.
In adolescents, sleep or appetite disturbances, anxiety, depression, and abandonment of previously enjoyed activities often occur.
In adults, irritability, frustration intolerance, alcohol or drug abuse, and a marked difficulty in facing daily responsibilities are observed.
Detecting these signs should not give rise to judgments or labels, but rather to immediate and empathetic support that facilitates access to a specialist.
Attention and accompaniment
Early clinical attention can save lives. The approach includes psychiatric and psychotherapeutic consultations, as well as family therapy programs and support groups. Professional intervention is key in patients with suicidal ideation or previous attempts, as it allows to reduce risks and offer tools for recovery.
From the Mental Health Service of the Santa Paula Medical Group (GMSP), it is reminded that suicide should not be treated as a taboo, but as a public health issue that requires constant attention. The institution has an emergency consultation for psychological guidance, group support programs, and specialists in psychology and psychiatry available to the community.
A person who presents suicidal ideation should seek a mental health specialist; psychiatrists are trained to clinically approach the patient, usually admitting patients who are likely to be dangerous to themselves, who have recently attempted to take their own lives, and also if they put the lives of others at risk. On the other hand, the accompaniment of family therapy or the immersion of support groups will also significantly complement the recovery process of patients.
The specialist described some actions that the general population can take to eradicate the high suicide rates: more than talking about preventing, I would say about suicide care. We need to address how we are developing as a society, there is a great need to show affection, listen and be compassionate.
The GMSP has professionals in psychology and psychiatry to assist, inform, and alert the population about suicide and depression through different activities. In addition, they have support groups to talk about depression and an emergency clinic for psychological guidance for the general public.
Backed by its parent company, Keralty, GMSP reiterates its commitment to excellence in medical care, offering its patients and healthcare professionals innovative tools that facilitate access to quality services, which is why it is "the clinic everyone has in mind".
To be attended at GMSP, request appointments and obtain more information, you must call 0500 CUIDATE (2843283) or (0212) 9176200, and you can write via WhatsApp to 0422/0414/0424/0412 CLINICA (2546422), also through the page: www.grupomedicosp.com. In addition, you can follow them as @grupomedicosp on social media Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, Threads and on their YouTube channel.
