Atallah indicated that myths should be discarded when addressing mental health and urged support for those undergoing such dire life scenarios that may prompt them to think of suicide a the only way out.

He indicated that suicide can be prevented in 95 percent of the cases, since it is the expression of an illness is often linked to such behaviors as addictions, but it does not reflect weakness or cowardice. In any case it requires support from institutions, the family and society as a whole.

Although estimating that the situation in the country is not a cause for alarm, compared to other nations in the region, he assured that the Government gives high priority to mental health.

Dr. Eladio Perez, Vice-Minister of Collective Health, reiterated that suicide can be prevented in most cases, adding that it can be avoided or reduced by giving it the importance it deserves, without prejudice.

Psychiatrist Jeanette Taveras noted the fact that this phenomenon does not only affect the youth, as erroneously believed.

The “World Suicide Day” is marked every September with an aim of raising awareness and promote strategies to prevent it. This year’s slogan is “Changing the Narrative”.

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