Argentina faces rising suicide rates amid economic crisis

Argentina is experiencing a significant rise in suicide rates, which has become a leading cause of death among young people. In 2025, the country recorded 5,209 deaths by suicide, a figure that triples the global average. Experts link this trend to the nation's ongoing social and economic crisis, noting that a 0.6% drop in GDP during the second quarter of the year correlates with deteriorating living conditions.

On a regional level, the province of San Luis reported the second-highest suicide rate in the country for 2025, with 18.9 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This follows a three-year upward trend in the province. Only Entre Ríos recorded a higher rate at 20.8. Data from San Luis indicates that between 2017 and 2022, 40.5% of victims were aged between 10 and 29.

Factors contributing to the increase include unemployment, job insecurity, social inequality, and a lack of effective public health policies. There are also concerns regarding insufficient investment in mental health services and the impact of economic adjustments on vulnerable sectors.