Every September 10, Suicide Prevention Day is remembered worldwide, a remembrance that has been promoted since 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Focusing on suicide prevention is especially important to create social bonds, promote awareness and offer hope. Reaching out to loved ones about their mental health and well-being could save their lives with timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions.
Suicide is a major public health problem in the region of the Americas, as indicated by the third regional report on suicide mortality, published in March 2021, by PAHO/WHO. This topic is often neglected, surrounded by stigmas, myths and taboos. Each case of suicide is a tragedy that seriously affects not only individuals, but also families and communities.
Every year, more than 700,000 people take their own lives after numerous suicide attempts, which corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. Today is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action to reduce the number of suicides and attempted suicides. A multisectoral approach is essential to engage society and stakeholders.
From the Ministry of Public Health, through the Directorate of Mental Health, there are professionals dedicated to helping those who need it, and they provide services in different health establishments throughout the national territory.
Social stigma is one of the main barriers to seeking professional help, which is why it is essential to emphasize suicide prevention to create social bonds, promote awareness and offer hope, throughout the world.
The health portfolio has services that offer mental health care for those who require it. To meet them, go to the following link: https://www.mspbs.gov.py/salud-mental.html
Source: Ministry of Health.
