Suicide Rate in America on the Rise
The suicide rate in America continues to increase, aligning with global statistics; worldwide, 1,917 individuals take their own lives each day.
The global manifestation of suicide rates is a cause for concern among experts worldwide.
According to a report from the World Health Organization, over 700,000 people die from this cause each year.
In fact, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.
In 2019, the suicide rate in America is quite clear, with over 97,000 deaths recorded in this statistic.
Furthermore, 79% of individuals who make this decision are men, although there has been an increase among women.
For example, in the United States, the suicide rate in 2022 was 14.4 deaths per 100,000 individuals, according to a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Meanwhile, another study published in The Lancet suggests that social factors such as alcohol consumption and educational inequality could be contributing to the rise in suicide rates in Latin America.
The Pan American Health Organization pointed out that suicide mortality rates varied considerably by subregion.
North America is at the forefront (14.1 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants), and the Andean region has the lowest rate (3.9 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants).
The health agency attributes this disparity to sociocultural differences among societies.
Globally, suicide rates are decreasing, except in the Americas. According to the information provided, they decreased over the 20 years between 2000 and 2019.
While there was a reduction of 36%, ranging from a 17% decrease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to a 47% decrease in the European Region and a 49% decrease in the Western Pacific Region. However, in the Americas, rates increased by 17% over the same period.
According to the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN), in Argentina, during the period 2010-2019, there were 31,847 deaths by suicide.
This implies 3,185 deaths per year and eight deaths per day.
In Argentina, the suicide mortality rate for the year 2019 was 7.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than the global average, which exceeds 11 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
Since the end of lockdowns, the difficulty in returning to normal rhythms has created additional challenges.
In the medical and scientific community, there is consensus regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has triggered a wave of mental health issues among those who survived the virus.
Measures Against the Suicide Rate in America
Some countries are taking measures due to the suicide rate in America.
In Uruguay, steps are being taken to address their alarming suicide rate by offering antidepressant medications at no cost.
Additionally, mental and social health centers for youth are being launched as part of a national initiative to promote well-being.
The average suicide rate in Uruguay last year was more than double that of Latin America as a whole. There were 23 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, compared to 20 in 2019.
The regional average last year was 9 per 100,000 individuals.
With a budget of 20 million dollars, Uruguay’s mental health plan will be implemented in 2024.
Uruguay is placing emphasis on early prevention, with plans to inaugurate seven community youth centers.
