Mar del Plata hospital reports rising suicide rates and violent incidents

Health professionals at the Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos (HIGA) in Mar del Plata have reported a concerning increase in suicide attempts and emotional crises. Of the 153 cases recorded so far this year, 66% involved women. The most frequent age group for these incidents is 25 to 34 years old, with an average age of approximately 31. Key contributing factors identified include unassisted grief, sexual abuse, domestic and gender-based violence, unemployment, and self-harm. Experts also noted emerging issues such as debt.

In addition to the mental health crisis, the hospital reported a surge in violent crime over a single six-hour period from Saturday night to Sunday morning. During this time, four individuals were admitted to the emergency ward with gunshot wounds. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Avenida Tetamanti, the Reforma Universitaria area, and the Virgen de Luján and Belgrano neighborhoods.