Calay News
Statistics indicate that suicidal behaviors in adolescents have significantly increased. In particular, completed suicides among children under 15 years of age have increased from 7 in 2020 to 14 in 2021 and to 22 last year. In addition, non-suicidal self-harm, i.e., deliberate acts to injure the body that are not self-harm attempts, has also increased. According to the FAD Foundation barometer, in 2021, 16% of young people reported having suffered from mental health problems very frequently, compared to 6.2% in 2017. The Anar Foundation has seen a significant increase in requests for help with self-harm, which rose from 57 cases in 2009 to 3,200 in 2021.
A study by the Generalitat de Catalunya indicates that 27% of Catalan adolescents have ever self-injured. At a recent conference on child and adolescent mental health, Teresa Sanchez, dean of the Faculty of Psychology at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, expressed concern about the number of adolescents who engage in parasuicidal activities or self-harming behaviors. Sanchez highlighted the complexity of the phenomenon and suggested that social contagion could be contributing to the mental health problems of young people. In addition, he noted that the lack of modesty to talk about these issues could indicate the presence of social contagion.
This problem is complex, and experts are trying to better understand it in order to find solutions. It is essential that young people receive help and support to overcome their mental health problems and prevent suicide. Early detection and appropriate medical care are crucial to prevent suicidal behavior and protect the mental health of adolescents.
