Alert regarding the increase in suicidal behaviors among youth: a call for comprehensive prevention
Clinical psychologist Pedro José Vázquez has raised an alarm regarding the concerning increase in suicidal behaviors, with a special emphasis on the adolescent population. The specialist highlights that this phenomenon does not stem from a single cause, but is the result of a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors that require urgent attention from society as a whole.
During a conference held at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, in the framework of World Suicide Prevention Day, Vázquez stressed that today’s youth face unprecedented challenges, many of them linked to constant exposure to social media.
The factors that influence suicide are multiple; they are biopsychosocial. Many young people have difficulty managing the pressures and expectations they face, often distorted by the projection of immediate success observed in the digital environment.
Pedro José Vázquez, clinical psychologist.
The role of social media and emotional health
The specialist pointed out that the frustration derived from constant comparison on digital platforms significantly affects those who have not yet consolidated their emotional tools. By not reaching personal or professional goals at the speed dictated by social standards, the impact on mental health can be devastating.
Prevention strategies: a collective responsibility
To address this issue, the expert proposes a preventive approach that transcends care during moments of crisis. According to Vázquez, actions must be transversal and begin in the young people’s daily environments:
- Educational environment: Schools must be key spaces for emotional development and early detection.
- Family core: Reclaim the role of adults as role models and value educators.
- Social institutions: Involve churches, student associations, and, fundamentally, sports organizations.
Vázquez emphasized that sports and organized social interaction are vital tools for the integral development of adolescents, allowing them to build resilience in the face of adversity. The psychologist concluded by urging health authorities to guarantee access to trained mental health professionals and to foster a culture where the individual is valued for their essence, beyond their material possessions.
