Yellow September: WHO says suicide can be prevented

Yellow September: WHO says suicide can be prevented









Every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirms the importance of all countries adopting proven prevention strategies.

According to the WHO Director-General, suicide can be prevented. He says that for this, nations need to mobilize to implement effective actions and efficient public policies. According to WHO, only 38 countries have national health programs and effective suicide prevention policies.

Uruguay
Uruguay is a country that has historically had high rates of suicide. Across the Americas, it is third in number of cases, second only to Guyana and Suriname. The rate recorded in 2016 was almost three times higher than the Brazilian rate - there were 18.4 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants, while Brazil registered 6.5 per 100,000 inhabitants.

This year, the Uruguayan Ministry of Health appealed to the press to improve its approach to the news and to break the taboo that one should not talk about suicide in the media. The ministry has even organized a workshop with journalists and other professionals who may play a relevant role when it comes to breaking news or disseminating citizen support services and mechanisms.

For experts from the Ministry of Health of Uruguay, the first myth is precisely that one should not talk about the subject. They say the issue should always be dealt with responsibly in schools, on the streets and in families. And they share the Brazilian government's understanding that emotional support and dialogue can save lives.

In Brazil, the Center for the Valorization of Life (CVV) assists all people who want to talk about it voluntarily and free of charge. The service is by phone, email, chat and voip and is open 24 hours a day. The call to the CVV, which works in partnership with the Unified Health System (SUS) through the number 188, is free and can be made from any landline or cell phone.

According to the Uruguayan Ministry of Health, other myths are that talking about suicide encourages more people to kill themselves; that whoever threatens to kill himself has no real intention and whoever attempts suicide will keep trying.

Experts insisted that the key is prevention and dissemination of support services to those in need. Another very important point is never to associate judgments as "courage" or "cowardice" when reporting suicides.

Brazil
For the Brazilian Ministry of Health, for prevention, it is essential to be aware of possible warning signs. These signs include the onset or aggravation of conduct problems or verbal manifestations for at least two weeks; worry about one's own death or hopelessness; expression of suicidal ideas or intentions.

If a person does not answer phone calls, becomes less socially active, or stops attending circles of friends and family reunions, it is important to be aware. Talking to trusted people and seeking help from support services are key prevention initiatives.

"Exposure to pesticides, loss of employment, political and economic crises, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, psychological and / or physical aggression, suffering at work, decreased or lack of self-care, family conflicts, loss of a loved one and illness. chronic, painful and / or disabling conditions may be factors that make them vulnerable, even though they cannot be considered as determinants of suicide. " Thus, such factors should be taken into account if the individual has other warning signs, "adds the ministry.

In case of danger, the person should not be left alone or allowed to have access to the means to cause death (eg pesticides, firearms or medicines). It is important to be in constant contact to keep track of how the person is doing and what they are doing.

World
According to the Suicide in the World - Global Health Estimates report, suicide is a serious global public health problem. It is among the top twenty causes of death worldwide. There are more deaths from suicide than from malaria, breast cancer, war and homicide. Suicide hits about 800,000 people every year.

WHO considers reducing suicide mortality as a priority as a global goal. The target has been included as an indicator in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For the United Nations (UN), the main interventions that have shown success in reducing suicides are:guide the media on responsible coverage of the topic; implement youth skills development programs to cope with the stresses of life; early identification, management and follow-up of people at risk of suicide.

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