Youth suicide:

a preventable public health problem

Abstract

Suicide constitutes a serious public health problem that increasingly affects the mental health of children, adolescents, and young people. The alarming increase in suicide deaths worldwide demands priority attention. This article addresses the conceptualization and background of the study of suicide from various perspectives and presents the associated risk factors, including family, social, and psychological conditions, suicidal ideation, previous attempts, and self-harm behaviors. Despite being preventable, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29. In this regard, recent data on prevalence rates, both internationally and nationally, from the last four years are presented, as well as the main causes that motivate it, highlighting its profound social and psychological impact. The most common myths and beliefs surrounding suicide are also addressed, with the aim of dispelling stigmas and misconceptions. This article seeks to be a first approach to raising awareness about the seriousness of this phenomenon within the field of public health. The need to intervene in the various areas where young people interact educational, social, and psychological is emphasized in order to highlight the urgent need to implement prevention programs and establish effective action protocols.