Suicides in Argentina: hit a record in 2025 and are the leading cause of death among young people

Suicide rates in Argentina reached a record high in 2025, surpassing all previous figures and becoming the leading cause of death among young people, according to data released by the National Observatory of Criminal Policy. Between 2017 and 2025, the number of suicides recorded in Argentina rose from 3,304 to 5,209, a 57.7 percent increase over eight years. During the same period, the suicide rate climbed from 8.2 per 100,000 inhabitants to 11.8 per 100,000, marking a 43.9 percent rise. This figure represents the highest level in the series analyzed by the Observatory using data from the National Criminal Information System (SNIC). The statistics highlight a sharp contrast with trends in violent crime. While the rate of intentional homicide has been declining since 2017, the suicide rate has followed the opposite trajectory. Today, the suicide rate stands more than three times higher than the homicide rate, 11.8 compared to 3.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. The analysis further indicates that suicide has become the primary cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Health data reviewed by Chequeado show that since 2022, suicide has been the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24. In 2024, it again topped the list for those aged 25 to 34, displacing traffic accidents as the main cause of mortality in this age group. Dr. Alberto Marani, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, emphasized that addressing suicide requires looking beyond individual factors. Drawing on the sociological insights of Émile Durkheim, he argued that such a significant increase in suicide cases suggests broader societal changes. He noted that when similar patterns emerge, it is necessary to examine what is happening within society itself. If individual reasons align, it often points to underlying social issues. Marani highlighted a growing sense of disorientation and loss of direction among youth, noting a gap between societal expectations and the realistic opportunities available to them. He explained that many young people feel personally responsible for their failures or lack reasonable expectations for the future. Other contributing factors include the increasing prevalence of online gambling. Data from a study conducted by professionals at the University of Austral supports these concerns. It found that 9 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 reported feeling depressed, while 13 percent felt anxious during 2024. Additionally, eight out of ten teenagers either accessed or knew someone who used online betting platforms in the past year. However, 40 percent of these adolescents had never discussed the issue at home. Experts stress that suicide cannot be attributed to a single factor such as economic conditions, online gambling, or psychiatric disorders. Instead, they describe it as a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by individual, familial, community, and societal elements. According to health records from 2024, there was a notable gender disparity in suicide deaths, with 2,892 male victims compared to 720 female victims. This means four out of every five individuals who died by suicide were men. To address this trend, Dr. Marani suggested focusing on rebuilding community connections. He proposed initiatives that promote communal engagement, such as attending clubs, schools, peer groups, and other institutions. These activities provide social bonds, shared projects, and individuals who can recognize early warning signs. When communities are well-connected, young people have access to peers who are attentive and supportive, which helps improve overall mental health outcomes. A recent study by the Ministry of Health revealed that Argentina experiences nearly 24 attempted suicides each day, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent such incidents.