Chile

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 10.2 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Chile have remained relatively stable, with fluctuations noted in younger age groups.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but the rates of suicide attempts are higher among women.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in Chile.
   • Elderly (60+): Suicide rates are high among the elderly, linked to loneliness, chronic illnesses, and lack of social support.

3. Special Groups:

1. • Indigenous communities, including the Mapuche population, are at higher risk due to social and economic marginalization and historical trauma.

4. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates in rural areas compared to urban settings, attributed to isolation and limited access to healthcare.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Chile has implemented the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (2017–2025), focusing on improving access to care, reducing stigma, and targeting high-risk groups.
• Key Elements:

• • Strengthening mental health services in primary care settings.
  • Training healthcare professionals in suicide prevention.
  • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: Campaigns like “Elige Vivir Sin Drogas” (“Choose to Live Without Drugs”) focus on mental health and substance abuse prevention among youth.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth and Adolescents: School-based mental health programs and youth-specific helplines.
   • Indigenous Communities: Initiatives to provide culturally sensitive mental health care to marginalized groups.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, local governments, and NGOs to expand mental health outreach and awareness.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Online counseling services and mental health apps have been developed to provide accessible support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training programs for community leaders and educators to recognize warning signs of suicide and provide support.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma remains prevalent in Chile, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. Efforts to incorporate traditional healing practices into mental health services are being explored.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ populations and refugees is limited.

• Positive Developments:

• • The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and the integration of mental health into primary care highlight Chile’s commitment to addressing suicide prevention.

References

1. Ministry of Health, Chile. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. Retrieved from https://www.saludresponde.cl/
2. Trading Economics. (2019). Chile – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/chile/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health Services in Chile. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. UNICEF Chile. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/chile/
5. “Elige Vivir Sin Drogas.” (n.d.). Youth Substance Abuse and Mental Health Campaigns. Retrieved from https://eligesinviolencia.gob.cl/