Argentina faces record suicide rates amid mental health budget cuts

Argentina is experiencing a record-breaking surge in suicide rates, reaching 11.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025. This figure represents a 22.6% increase compared to 2024 and exceeds the global average estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Experts and the Argentine Association of Mental Health (AASM) have raised alarms, noting that suicide has become the leading cause of violent death among individuals aged 15 to 34, surpassing traffic accidents. In certain provinces like Catamarca, the rate is significantly higher than the national average.

Reports indicate a correlation between this rise and significant reductions in mental health funding. Under the administration of Javier Milei, mental health investment has reportedly dropped by 42% between 2023 and 2025. Current projections suggest mental health will receive only 1.42% of the total health budget, which contradicts the national mental health law requiring a 10% allocation.

Specialists attribute the crisis to a complex mix of factors, including economic instability, job insecurity, debt, and social isolation. They warn that treating these as purely individual responsibilities ignores the structural social and economic pressures affecting the population.