The MSP relaunched a course to address adolescent suicide prevention
The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) presented the new edition, in virtual mode, of the Prevention, Approach and Postvention of Suicide Risk in Adolescents course, aimed at health professionals and educators who work with people of that age group. The head of the aforementioned portfolio, Karina Rando, highlighted the importance of mental health, especially after the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on young people. The general director of Health, Adriana Alfonso, and the director of the Adolescence and Youth area of the MSP, Laura Batalla, also participated in the event. Representatives of the different educational systems and work teams linked to adolescence were also present.
During the opening, Rando stressed the relevance of this relaunch, given the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people. Likewise, he highlighted that isolation and lack of social interaction for long periods deeply affected the development of essential bonds at this crucial stage of life.
In response to these needs, the minister pointed out the work of the Secretary of State, which developed two work guides, fundamental to address the aforementioned issue. In addition, he recalled the texts available on the MSP website Adolescent suicide in Uruguay: a public health issuewhich offers key data and guidelines, and the Approach guide to suicidal risk in adolescentsaimed at training primary care physicians in the initial management of suicidal risk.
Regarding the online course Prevention, Approach and Postvention of Suicide Risk in Adolescents, the leader specified that it reinforces the commitment of the MSP and the associated institutions with the promotion of mental health in adolescents. With this training, we seek to ensure that more professionals access clear and practical information for their daily work.
Batalla, for his part, explained that the course is free and was designed to provide tools to people in contact with adolescents, such as health professionals and teachers. He added that the training is accessed online, through the portfolio’s website, and that its average duration is between 10 and 12 hours. He also mentioned warning signs in adolescents, such as behavioral changes, isolation and lack of expectations, which may indicate mental health problems and should be addressed through primary care.
Registration takes place between November 19 and 24 and the course will take place between November 26 and December 16.
