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Portugal

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 800 202 669 (Linha de Apoio Psicológico – Psychological Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential emotional and crisis support, including suicide prevention. (sns24.gov.pt)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 21 354 45 45 (SOS Voz Amiga – Emotional Support and Suicide Prevention Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 4 PM – 12 AM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides mental health and emotional support to individuals in crisis. (sosvozamiga.org)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +351 91 709 4060 (ILGA Portugal – LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Crisis Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support and suicide prevention resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (ilga-portugal.pt)
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: 116 111 (Linha SOS Criança – Youth and Child Psychological Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides anonymous and free support for children and adolescents. (iap.pt)
Suicide Prevention in Portugal

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 9.2 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Portugal have remained stable, but concerns are rising among elderly individuals and younger adults.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than female suicide rates, consistent with global patterns.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women experience higher rates of non-fatal suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates are increasing due to academic pressure, social media influence, and mental health struggles.
    • Elderly (60+): High suicide rates linked to loneliness, chronic illness, and economic insecurity.
  1. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Higher suicide rates in rural areas, particularly in Alentejo and the interior regions, where access to mental health resources is limited.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Increased suicide risk due to discrimination, bullying, and family rejection.
    • Elderly Population: One of the highest suicide rates in Europe among older adults due to isolation and health issues.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Portugal has included suicide prevention as part of its National Mental Health Plan (2020–2030), aiming to reduce suicide mortality and expand mental health services.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding mental health support in public healthcare centers.
    • Training healthcare professionals and educators in suicide prevention.
    • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Falar é a Melhor Solução” (“Talking is the Best Solution”) – A campaign encouraging open discussions about suicide prevention and mental health.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Elderly Suicide Prevention Programs: Community-based initiatives addressing loneliness and depression in older adults.
    • School-Based Suicide Prevention Programs: Integration of mental health education in schools.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Portugal collaborates with WHO, EU mental health initiatives, and NGOs to enhance suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Telehealth mental health services expanding accessibility.
    • AI-based chatbots for crisis support and suicide risk assessment.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement.
    • Peer-support networks for suicide survivors and bereaved families.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health awareness is improving, but stigma remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas.
    • Family and community support play significant roles in mental health interventions.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and minority groups.
    • Need for more longitudinal studies on the impact of mental health interventions.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Expansion of mental health services and suicide prevention initiatives under the National Mental Health Plan.
    • Growing use of digital platforms for mental health support and crisis intervention.

References

  1. Portugal Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2020–2030). Retrieved from https://www.sns.gov.pt/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Portugal – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. SOS Voz Amiga. (n.d.). Crisis Helpline and Mental Health Support in Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.sosvozamiga.org/
  5. ILGA Portugal. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support in Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.ilga-portugal.pt/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the European Region. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF Portugal. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/portugal/