Mental health and suicide prevention initiatives expand across Latin America and Spain

Various regional and national initiatives are focusing on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and psychosocial wellbeing across Latin America and Spain.

In Argentina, health centers in Formosa held training sessions to conclude “Septiembre Amarillo,” focusing on adolescent suicide prevention and emotional containment. Additionally, the Chubut Gymnastics Federation organized a virtual seminar on psychological wellbeing for athletes and coaches.

In Mexico, the Chihuahua Institute of Mental Health (Ichisam) trained 278 professionals using the WHO’s mhGAP program to improve the detection and management of mental disorders. In Playa del Carmen, the DIF provided training to hotel employees to promote healthy work environments and comply with psychosocial risk regulations.

In Chile, SLEP Iquique trained 28 community agents to act as gatekeepers for suicide prevention within educational settings. Meanwhile, the Corporación Dr. Luis Reuss in San Antonio conducted workshops for caregivers regarding warning signs in children and the impact of social media.

In Spain, Cáritas Diocesana de Segorbe-Castellón organized a Mental Health Week featuring talks and marches to reduce stigma. Furthermore, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu announced a forum to address gender biases in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.