More Spaniards took their own life in 2022 than in any other year since records began. But why?
Just one month after Spain set up its first #suicidepreventionhelpline in May 2022, its workers handled nearly 15,000 calls, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
The flood of calls demonstrated the need for help in a society which can still treat #mentalhealth as a taboo. But, with many Spaniards pushed to the limit by the #COVID #pandemic, the topic has forced itself into public debate.
Although measures such as the helpline were introduced to try and curb rising #suicides in the country, things aren’t getting better.
#Spain reported in 2022 the highest number of #suicides since records began.
More than 4,097 people took their own lives, 2.3% more than in 2021. The numbers published annually by the National Statistics Institute point to an upward trend since 2018.
“It is a real social emergency, reversing the trend should be a matter of state,” Andoni Anseán, president of the Spanish Foundation for #SuicidePrevention, told Euronews.
A lack of national plan, shortage of specialised health personnel in the health system and little follow-up for people who have attempted #suicide are the problems highlighted by experts.
But is this enough to explain why #suicide is rising in the southern European country?
According to experts, young people are the ones who think most about taking their own lives
Older people at risk
While mortality rates from illnesses have reduced – as their treatments have improved – #suiciderates continue to grow.
According to the president of the Spanish Foundation for #SuicidePrevention, the official figures may not show the reality of the country, since more deaths occur than the ones that are actually reported in the official data.
This is why elements of the study of #suicide remain a mystery in #Spain.
Alejandro de la Torre, a member of the Centre for Biomedical Research Network – #MentalHealth, conducted one of the latest studies to be published in the country on the evolution of #suicide mortality data over the last 20 years.
The researcher detected two of the most common profiles.
“The first is a very premeditated and depressive group of people. They have been thinking about taking their own life for a long time and tend to leave everything tied up, including writing a farewell note”.
“The second group is the impulsive one. These are people who, when they have very intense emotions, go over the edge and consider that they will lower the level of emotionality through a #suicideattempt,” adds de la Torre.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
There’s a shortage of specialised health personnel in Spain’s national health system
Reviewing the statistics by age group, the #psychologist found that the older the age group, the greater the risk.
The group comprising Spaniards over 40 years is equivalent to half of those who committed #suicide.
More than 13.8% were between 25 and 39 years old, while only 5% of all #suicides were committed by young people between 10 and 24 years old.
“Young people are the ones who think most about taking their own lives and try to do so. However, the most successful are older people,” explains de la Torre.
These figures could stem from a failure of preventive action and lack of support from the public health system, according to the experts.
“Having a first psychological consultation is not a problem, but managing to get more appointments is. You might be able to get a first medical appointment within five days, but then it can take months for the next one,” says Anseán.
“If it’s a problem of #anxiety or #depression they may even give the #patient an appointment for next year,” he adds.
Is Hungary Europe’s example?
Interestingly enough, Europe looks to Hungary when it comes to #suicideprevention.
The country has managed, over the years, to reverse the trend and reduce the number of suicides in the country.
Hungary had the highest #suiciderate in the world until 1992. From then on, the figure began to stabilise and from 2000 until now it has halved from 3,269 this year to 1,561 in 2021.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry states the Eastern European country is a success story.
They pointed to an overhaul in the health system that involved increasing the number of #psychologists – from 95 to 139 in each department – and creating more #suicideprevention helplines.
This is one of #Spain’s main problems, according to experts.
“We are far below the European ratios regarding #healthprofessionals. The first three months after a #suicideattempt is considered to be the most critical period. This is why we need more #psychologists and #psychiatrists to carry out the appropriate follow-ups,” says de la Torre.
The expert stresses that in relation to Europe, #Spain does not have such high levels of #suicide mortality.
“The country stands at 8.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in Scandinavian countries it is close to 11 per 100,000 inhabitants”.
However, what is really worrying for de la Torre is that these rates have not yet been able to be curbed.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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