Unfortunately, the figures are in line with previous research that found an increase in suicidal behaviour. A study by Gracia et al. (2021) compared suicide attempt figures during the pandemic (March 2020 - March 2021) and 12 months before the pandemic (March 2019 - March 2020), and observed a 25% increase in adolescents. The authors concluded that the effects of the pandemic, combined with high levels of social isolation and loneliness, may be related to this increase.   

From my point of view, one of the main limitations we are facing is that we have not yet finished seeing the effects of this historical moment. We are still in a post-pandemic state, which continues to have serious repercussions both in suicidal behaviour and in the rest of mental health pathologies and social aspects (loneliness). 

We had been observing this for decades. The need for urgent action against suicide is not new, but the current focus on suicide has increased due to the pandemic. Both intervention and prevention are lacking. The World Health Organisation warns about the lack of initiatives by many Western countries, including Spain, on effective measures to tackle suicide. Unfortunately, Spain does not currently have legislation that provides guidelines for action to prevent suicide. 

We urgently need national resources and policies to research, prevent and treat suicidal behaviour for different age groups.

Although slight year-on-year variations in suicide rates are common, an upward trend in suicide rates has been observed since 2018. This increase coincides with the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. It can therefore be hypothesised that some of the social changes brought about by the pandemic may have contributed to this increase in suicides. 

Improving the mental health of the population and preventing suicide requires greater investment in mental health services. More mental health professionals are needed to provide more timely and sustained care, and to provide early detection and treatment of mental health problems. A national suicide prevention plan is also needed. 

However, preventing and treating mental health problems requires not only action from the health sector, but also from other sectors. Reducing social inequalities, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable people, ensuring easier access to healthy recreational and leisure opportunities, strengthening social ties and combating unwanted loneliness are some of the measures that contribute to improving the mental health of the population.

The report is not surprising, but it is alarming to see that the trend is at best 'stable'. These data should be taken with caution; they are useful to get an idea of trends. Different criteria and methodologies have been used in the series, and possible under-reporting in large urban areas has to be taken into account. 

Most importantly, despite having a society with protective factors and a good health system with increasing investments in mental health, suicide is not contained. It should be noted that, in Northern Europe and Baltic countries, the numbers have fallen in recent years. 

We need to be consistent in the implementation of the primary and secondary prevention strategy, facilitate access to mental health treatment and improve treatment.