Madeira Shows Lower Suicide Rate Than Mainland
Madeira records a lower suicide rate compared with Portugal as a whole. In 2023, the rate on the island was 6.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the national average was 9.8. The numbers were revealed on todays World Suicide Prevention Day. This year's motto is 'Changing the narrative about suicide'.
Early Detection and Community Support Are Key
Barbosa emphasized the importance of joint efforts beyond healthcare, involving schools, workplaces, and public spaces to create supportive environments. Interventions include the national suicide prevention hotline (1411), which ensures callers in Madeira and Porto Santo can access local support. He added that early detection of warning signs, such as withdrawal from social activities and persistent pessimism, can be crucial: "Sometimes just asking 'Are you okay?' can help."
In general, warning signs of a possible suicidal act are: symptoms closely associated with depression. “A person who has a more pessimistic, who feels more down, who stopped dressing up so much, who don't feel like doing the usual things, don't feel like going out with friends friends, with family, is less committed to social participation with others people, they are people who deserve to be asked 'Is everything okay?'
Mental Health Services in Madeira
The Regional Health Service reported providing 62,520 psychology consultations in 2024, supported by 74 psychologists, eight psychiatrists, three child psychiatrists, 123 specialized nurses, and seven community mental health teams. Barbosa stressed that suicide is a multifactorial problem, linked to mental illness, social exclusion, and limited access to care, with more than 90% of suicides involving individuals with mental disorders. He said improving access to mental health services and creating safe conditions for those in crisis are essential preventive measures.
Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Experts highlighted the need to discuss suicide openly to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. Psychologist Filipa Gomes noted that most patients seeking preventive care were women aged 40–50 (42%), and many had attempted suicide before.
They (people who are seeking help) are mainly single people, residents of Funchal, employed and with secondary education, patients of these consultations. 60% had suicidal thoughts and 40% had already attempted to end their lives.
Gomes said, "Speaking about suicidal behaviors is very important… It reduces prejudice, opens spaces for listening, and provides support."
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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