The number of people who took their own lives in 2020 in Rio Grande do Norte increased by 11,06% compared to the previous year. In absolute numbers, whose survey was carried out by the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) together with the Rio Grande do Norte Violence Observatory (OBVIO/RN), there were 226 self-inflicted injuries in 2019 compared to 251 in 2020. The multidisciplinary preceptor in Psychology at ISD, Carla Glenda Silva, analyzes the numbers and draws attention to the growing number of children and adolescents with suicidal thoughts and ideations. September 10th was established as World Suicide Prevention Day.

“If we think about age groups, we must take into account the moment in life of each of these people. Children also suffer from depression, just as teenagers and adults do. Therefore, in each age group, the motivation for suicide can be different. We can have motivations such as bullying, parental separation, family indifference, absence of important parental figures, financial disorganization, the recent moment we have experienced in relation to the pandemic where many people have lost their jobs... As a result, financial issues and everyday life have become desperate for some people”, says Carla Glenda Silva.

The multidisciplinary preceptor, who works in the reception of patients at the Anita Garibaldi Health Education and Research Center (Anita), in Macaíba, emphasizes that it is necessary to be aware of mood swings. “We need to be aware of people’s moods. Depression is one of the factors that favors suicidal ideation, the intention to end one’s own life or even the definitive act of carrying out what is being planned”, emphasizes Carla Glenda Silva. According to data from the Ministry of Health, depression is the main cause of suicide throughout Brazil. In second place is bipolar disorder and, next, substance use.

Identifying specific causes to explain the increase in suicide rates in Brazil is a complex task, given the sensitivity and individuality of each behavior. However, for OBVIO/RN researcher Ramiro Vasconcelos, the pandemic and social media may have a direct link to the increase in cases in 2020. Recently, 16-year-old Lucas Santos took his own life after being persecuted on social media for posting a video. This is just one of thousands of examples around the world of how harmful social media can be for those going through a difficult time.

“In general terms, so to speak, I would include the pandemic, social media (and Internet derivatives) and the academic environment. Regarding the pandemic, it also involves economic factors, in which many people have lost their jobs. This has created fragility. When we live in a time of uncertainty, more susceptible and fragile people tend to fall into a depressive process. It’s a snowball effect. The pandemic, in particular, has triggered major social, economic and cultural disruptions. Imagine if, from one moment to the next, we have to stay locked up at home many times, realizing the world is in chaos?”, emphasizes researcher Ramiro Vasconcelos.

Numbers
Analyzing the numbers collected by the Santos Dumont Institute together with OBVIO/RN, the majority of victims of self-harm in Rio Grande do Norte are men. Last year, 199 men committed suicide in the state (there are records in almost all municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte). The oldest victim was 102 years old and the youngest, 14. In the same period, 52 suicides were recorded among women (an increase of 57,57% compared to the previous year). The oldest victim was 84 years old and the youngest, 15. In 2019, the total number of men who took their own lives in Rio Grande do Norte was 193. The number of women was 33.

According to data from the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), more than 13,000 suicides are recorded every year in Brazil and more than 1 million worldwide. This is a sad reality, with an increasing number of cases, especially among young people. Approximately 96.81% of suicide cases were related to mental disorders. In more than 981% of cases, suicide was caused by mental disorders that were not treated correctly or were not identified/monitored.

“We need to guide and raise awareness in society about suicide prevention, which is why, this September, we are focusing our efforts on effective prevention. Death from this cause is a medical emergency and can be prevented through adequate treatment of the underlying mental disorder,” says ABP president Dr. Antônio Geraldo da Silva.

main facts

For every suicide, many more people attempt suicide each year. The ratio is as high as 1 completed suicide for every 25 attempted suicides. A previous suicide attempt is the most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. Approximately 791,300 suicides worldwide occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Ingestion of pesticides, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

Source: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)

Yellow September

The Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), in partnership with the Federal Council of Medicine, is promoting the Yellow September®️ campaign for the eighth consecutive year, with the theme “Action saves lives”. The action, which was implemented in Brazil in 2014, has as its main objective to reduce suicide rates. The initiative lasts the entire month, with the main date being September 10th – World Suicide Prevention Day.

In Brazil, there are more than 13,000 cases per year, and the number could be much higher due to underreporting. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide in the world. As for attempted suicide, someone attempts to take their own life every three seconds. In numerical terms, it is estimated that approximately one million cases of death by suicide are recorded each year worldwide.

Service

To seek help, you can call:
Center for the Appreciation of Life (CVV): 188