Suicides Increase in Mexico

Mexico, Apr 22. -Seven Mexican states top the list of suicides in the country, which is a phenomenon whose incidence rate recorded an increase of 33 percent in the last decade, according to the Ministry of Health.

According to a report released by the Milenio newspaper, the number of suicides rose from 3,475 (2002) to 5,190 (2009), focusing the highest rates in the states of Tabasco, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, Yucatan, Chiapas and Quintana Roo.

Arturo Cervantes, who is a technical secretary of the National Council for the Prevention of Injuries of the Ministry, said that in one year can be reported at least 10, 500 suicide attempts, hence it is considered a growing health problem and closely linked to violence.

Cervantes said that this is also related to "greater access to firearms and a rise in levels of alcoholism, poverty, unemployment, sexism and social problems. "

Teenagers are one of the most vulnerable gorup to suicide, especially females, because every day more than 70 young people attempt suicide because of some degree of depression. (Prensa Latina)