Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. Approximately 700,000 suicides were recorded globally in 2019. It is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds and the fifth leading cause among 30- to 49-year-olds. Many suicides are linked to psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression, substance use disorders and psychosis. Depression is the most prevalent mental illness globally, affecting millions. In Latin America, 5% of adults suffer from depression, with 3.4% experiencing anxiety. Shockingly, 6 out of every 10 individuals with depression receive no treatment, and individuals suffering from major depressive disorder have a 20-fold higher risk of suicide than the general population. To further capture the breadth and depth of this issue in Latin America, Economist Impact conducted a study focusing on suicide and mental health in Latin America, revealing a pressing need for action.
To combat the rising suicide rates in Latin America, this study identifies several key actions:
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There's a critical need to increase funding for mental health. As the current funding falls significantly short of the World Health Organization's recommendations. Governments must prioritize suicide and mental health on their policy agendas to allocate more resources.
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Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and depression is vital. Awareness campaigns are necessary to improve mental health literacy, foster open conversations and reduce the fear associated with seeking help.
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Robust data collection and monitoring of mental health conditions, including depression and suicide, are essential to inform policy development. This must be paired with efforts to reduce stigma to ensure accurate reporting.
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Efforts should be made to counter geographical, social and economic inequities to improve access to mental health care across the region. At present the region faces a significant divide between rural and urban populations, as well as poorer and wealthier individuals.
Suicide is a global public health concern, with Latin America facing particular challenges in addressing it. To reduce suicide rates and improve mental health in the region, increased funding, awareness campaigns, accurate data collection, and efforts to reduce inequalities in access to care are essential. These steps can contribute to saving lives and improving the overall well-being of Latin America's population.
Read our report below to learn more about taking action on this important issue.
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