10 cosas que deberíamos saber sobre el suicidio

Experts suggest that suicide is often driven by multiple factors rather than just mental illness. Sandra Pérez-Rodríguez, director of the study team on this subject at the University of Valencia, noted that factors such as hopelessness, unwanted loneliness, and physical pain can influence the decision to attempt suicide. While mental illness is not always present, psychiatrist Ana Fernández Villar, coordinator of the Área Sanitaria de Salud Mental in Fundación Hospitalarias Cantabria, stated that the risk increases significantly when a person has 2 or more disorders.

Warning signs often include explicit comments about not wanting to live or finding no meaning in life. Pérez-Rodríguez also identified behavioral changes such as social isolation, withdrawing from groups, skipping classes, increased alcohol or drug use, and declining academic performance. Feeling like a burden to others is another indicator that requires attention.

If someone shows these signs, Pérez-Rodríguez recommends asking them directly if they have thought about taking their own life to determine the severity of their situation.