Suicides triple homicides in Argentina and worry specialists

Suicides have become the leading cause of violent death in Argentina, with the number of suicides in 2025 nearly tripling that of homicides. Official statistics from the National Ministry of Security, compiled by the National Criminal Information System (SNIC), reveal a stark increase of 22.6% in suicides compared to 2024, reaching 5,209 cases, or 11.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. This trend consolidates suicide as the primary violent death cause in the country.

National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva focused her remarks on the decrease in intentional homicides, which fell by 7.1% to 3.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. While both homicides and deaths from traffic accidents showed a downward trend, suicide rates moved in the opposite direction. Since 2023, suicides have surpassed other forms of violent death, with notable concentrations in the provinces of Entre Ríos, San Luis, Salta, Santa Cruz, and Catamarca.

Concerns about the nation's mental health are escalating, prompting specialists to demand stronger prevention policies. A 2025 survey by the University of Buenos Aires' Faculty of Psychology indicated that 6.5% of over 2,000 respondents are at risk of mental disorders, with a higher propensity among young adults aged 18 to 29, who also exhibit the highest risk scores for suicide. The study, conducted by the Observatory of Applied Social Psychology (OPSA), found that 35.85% of participants reported experiencing a crisis, with economic hardship (low income or debt) cited by 55.91%, vital crises by 52.40%, and family crises by 36.37%.

Martín Etchevers, a professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapies at the UBA's Faculty of Psychology, advised against framing the situation as a 'suicide crisis,' instead suggesting it reflects a "worsening of mental health." He noted that while improved recording methods might contribute to the apparent surge in numbers, it is crucial to monitor these figures over several years. Etchevers also highlighted that for every completed suicide, there could be up to 20 attempted suicides, underscoring the significant underlying mental health challenges in Argentina despite a long tradition of psychological and psychotherapeutic practice in the country.