In 2022, 233 people took their own lives in the Canary Islands

In 2022, the last year for which official data is available, 233 people took their own lives in the Canary Islands, the Canary Islands Government reported this Monday.

The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has trained more than 1,200 professionals from the fields of health, security, education, dependency, minors and employment, among other essential sectors, according to a note from the Executive on World Suicide Prevention Day, which takes place every September 10.

To mark this commemoration, the digital channels and social networks of the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Public Health will disseminate a specific campaign to emphasize the importance of prevention, detection of signs of suicidal ideation and the resources and tools of the SCS available to citizens in these matters.

Among the lines of action carried out in recent years, the Government highlights the training work aimed at professionals in areas such as Primary Care, Mental Health, Drug Addiction, Emergencies, 1-1-2 and non-health professionals in matters of education, social rights, minors, youth, employment, housing and justice, among others.

Specific training has also been given to pharmacy staff and the media.

In addition, a consultation tool has been implemented for evaluation and intervention in Primary Care through a synthetic and operational document based on the Clinical Practice Guide for the Prevention and Treatment of Suicidal Behavior, and the Suicide Observatory in the Canary Islands has been launched through the creation of information systems, formulas for the collection of data on ideation, attempts and suicides in the Canary Islands, and annual analyses of their temporal evolution, distribution by geographic area, age and sex, among other aspects.

Regarding actions aimed at the general population, campaigns on suicide prevention are carried out every year, and in addition, the website, aimed at the general public, health professionals and people at risk and their relatives, has been launched.

This is a website that includes information on basic aspects, self-help and help for people at risk and in situations of bereavement due to suicide, as well as available resources, contacts, campaigns carried out and multiple materials available.

In the clinical field, the SCS has professionals who can assess and address suicidal behavior, both in Primary Care centers and in specialized resources of the Mental Health Network.

The World Health Organization points out that suicide is preventable, but also that actions are required at multiple levels and with an intersectoral nature to address it, insists the Government of the Canary Islands.

The 024 Line for attention to suicidal behavior, launched by the Ministry of Health, is a telephone of national scope, free, confidential and available 24 hours every day of the year.

This instrument offers help to people with thoughts, ideas or risk of suicidal behavior, as well as to their families and relatives through emotional containment through active listening by 024 professionals, the recommendation that they contact the health services of the National Health System or the referral to 1-1-2 in cases where an emergency situation is detected.