Suicides in Puerto Vallarta are on the rise. In 2020, there were 28 suicides. That same number was reported as of July of this year.
Most are young people between 15 and 35 years old, and most are men, according to Jalisco Institute of Mental Health Director Francisco Javier Ramírez Barreto.
According to Germán Núñez Valencia, coordinator of the Comprehensive Mental Health Center of Puerto Vallarta, suicide is a phenomenon that has many contributing factors.
In recent days, there have been endless events that can be considered such risk factors, ranging from environments of violence, disappearances, addictions, a presence of mental illness or a serious or chronic physical illness, as well as upbringing.
Above all, many people feel alone, and that adversities are overtaking them, such as economic factors, unemployment, even natural phenomena, like the recent floods, and coronavirus pandemic.
For Marisol Madero, criminologist and director of the National Prevention Network, suicide, beyond any situation, has a component derived from mental and emotional health, which is an issue that has, unfortunately, been more troubling in recent years.
The institutions that are dedicated to the field of mental health work because they focus on how to take care of ourselves, emotionally speaking.
People are more prone to feel stress these days, to feel anxiety, and to be sad. The most important thing is to talk with prepared, trained people who can help.
The best way to start is to call the Instituto Jalisciense de Salud Mental (SALME) at:
800-227-4747