Argentina
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: 135 (Greater Buenos Aires) or 5275-1135 (rest of the country)
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Operated by the Centro de Asistencia al Suicida, this hotline provides confidential support to individuals in crisis.
- Additional Support Service:
- Service Name: SOS Un Amigo Anónimo
- Phone Number: 4783-8888
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM to 4 PM
- Additional Details: Offers anonymous support for individuals seeking someone to talk to.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 911
- Notes: National emergency number for immediate assistance, accessible via mobile and landline.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 7.3 (2019 data).
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.
- Recent Changes: Data indicates a slight decrease from 7.5 per 100,000 in 2018 to 7.3 in 2019.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: 11.8 per 100,000
- Female Suicide Rate: 2.2 per 100,000
- Notable Trends: There is a significant gender disparity, with males experiencing higher suicide rates than females.
- By Age Groups:
- Youth (15-29): Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death in this age group.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Argentina has implemented various initiatives aimed at suicide prevention, focusing on mental health awareness and support services.
- Key Elements:
- Community-Based Programs: Efforts to engage local communities in mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
- Government Policies: Development of national mental health plans to address suicide risk factors.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Example: National Mental Health Week, promoting awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Description: Initiatives focused on adolescents and young adults, given the higher suicide rates in these demographics.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Example: Partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to enhance suicide prevention efforts.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Mental health issues and suicide may carry stigma in Argentine society, potentially discouraging individuals from seeking help.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- While national data is available, more granular research could help in understanding regional variations and specific risk factors.
- Positive Developments:
- The stability in suicide rates and the existence of dedicated support services indicate ongoing efforts to address mental health challenges in Argentina.
References
- Buenos Aires Times, 2023. Health Ministry reveals one suicide every three hours in Argentina. Available at: https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/health-ministry-reveals-one-suicide-every-three-hours-in-argentina.phtml
- Buenos Aires Herald, 2024. Argentina has seventh-lowest suicide rate in the world, new study shows. Available at: https://buenosairesherald.com/society/argentina-has-seventh-lowest-suicide-rate-in-the-world-new-study-shows
- Wikipedia, 2025. List of suicide crisis lines. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines