Suicide as a Leading Cause of Death in Mexico
Suicide has become one of the top five causes of death among the Mexican population, according to statistics from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).
Among adolescents and young adults (15-24 years old), it is the third leading cause of death; fourth among children aged 10-14, and fifth among the 25-34 age group.
Triggers Leading to Suicide
Recently, the Consejo Ciudadano para la Seguridad y Justicia presented findings from their “DiSí a la Vida” program, which has accompanied over 36,500 individuals at risk of suicide since 2019.
María Elena Esparza, Gender Advisor of the Consejo Ciudadano, explained that “when we talk about despair, we are not referring to a fleeting mood but a documented psychological condition showing how the perception of no future or escape leads individuals to see suicide as the only option.”
She further elaborated that despair does not emerge in isolation. For women, it is fueled by structural inequalities, violence, and gender roles that place them at greater vulnerability.
“It is not a coincidence that they represent 62% of the interventions, and their attempts are often trivialized as mere cries for attention.”
In 40% of cases, the method used to attempt suicide involved medication ingestion, highlighting the urgent need for strengthening prevention efforts within the family environment.
“DiSí a la Vida”: A Program Addressing and Preventing Suicide
Behind every statistic lies a life story, and the fact that most calls originate from the person in crisis is evident in cases like a 21-year-old military cadet who, after self-harming, sought support.
Immediate intervention saved him and linked him to an emotional recovery plan.
The Consejo Ciudadano emphasized their “DiSí a la Vida” program, which offers immediate psychological support and, when necessary, connects individuals with deeper therapies at the CRECC (Emotional Recovery and Crisis Center), attending to 1,552 people from 2021 onwards.
The joven militar’s case exemplifies how each call presents a genuine opportunity to transform despair into a “yes” to life. In 89% of cases, it is the affected person who seeks help, while in only 11%, family members or close acquaintances make the call.
“That they are the ones to raise their voices amidst crisis speaks of their courage and underscores the need for constant availability of assistance. We cannot solely rely on immediate environments for prevention; direct and free access to support lines, like the Consejo Ciudadano’s, saves lives,” asserted Clara Luz Álvarez, Executive Secretary of the Consejo Ciudadano.
“DiSí a la Vida” Services
The “DiSí a la Vida” services, including the Security Line and Confidence Chat, are available 24/7, free of charge, and confidentially at 55 5533 5533.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of suicide statistics in Mexico? Suicide ranks among the top five causes of death, with varying positions across different age groups.
- What does the Consejo Ciudadano identify as triggers for suicide? Despair, fueled by structural inequalities, violence, and gender roles, is a documented psychological condition leading individuals to view suicide as the only option.
- What is the “DiSí a la Vida” program? It’s a Consejo Ciudadano initiative offering immediate psychological support and connecting individuals with deeper therapies when needed.
- How can people access support through “DiSí a la Vida”? The program’s services, including the Security Line and Confidence Chat, are available 24/7 at 55 5533 5533.
