Breathe
By Arlen Solodkin
A few days ago we were shocked by the news of the death of former One Direction, Liam Payne. Many of his fans were saddened to read it and wondered how someone who apparently had everything, could reach such an extreme case of despair. The same thing happened a year ago when the media reported the death of the well-known "Chandler Bing" in the series Friends, Matthew Perry.
These public cases make us reflect on the consequences and dangers of public exposure and social pressure. They also invite us to question whether success is measured by the number of followers, dollars in our bank account or properties. If success, as we usually say, leads to happiness then this formula does not seem to make sense. Science indicates that the opposite is true, that happiness leads to success.
Recently, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) published updated data on the suicide rate in the Mexican population on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2023, a total of 8,837 suicides were registered, representing 1.1% of the total number of deaths registered in the country.
An alarming figure that reflects the great mental health problems, depression and hopelessness that invades a growing sector of the population if we compare it with a decade ago. According to official data, the suicide rate in the country stood at 4.9 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2013, while in 2023 this figure grew to 6.8 suicides per 100,000 Mexicans.
Another alarming reality is that many of the most developed countries have the highest suicide rates, which makes us question once again the relationship between economic development and overall well-being.
Suicide is a very complex phenomenon that requires a very broad approach. Commonly, we approach depression through the cognitive behavioral therapy approach that has proven to be one of the most effective for this problem, also common is the prescription of medication and other forms of therapy that focus on examining our past. However, positive psychology, which is promoted by agencies in the country such as the Instituto de Bienestar Integral, introduces an essential component that is often overlooked: projecting ourselves into the future.
As stated by Martin Seligman, father of positive psychology, "we are not pushed by our past, but pulled by our future".
One of the problems facing young people today is that they fail to see a positive future. Social media has increased this challenge through a focus on perfection and an unrealistic vision of success. The lack of a forward-looking vision causes us to fall into hopelessness. This forward-looking vision can be the key to overcoming helplessness, generating the energy and vitality needed for real change.
Particularly alarming is the suicide rate among the very young. In the case of young women, the age groups 10 to 14 and 15 to 19 are those with the highest number of suicides compared to women aged 20 and over.
Contemporary society has an obsession with "self" and "individualism," which exacerbates suffering. In a world focused on appearances and personal perfection, we often forget the transformative power of connecting with others. Opening ourselves to new relationships and perspectives not only enriches our lives, but can also offer a way out of the isolation that often fuels depression and suicide. This openness to others is critical to redefining our relationship with the world and finding a renewed sense of purpose and community.
*Founderand director of the Instituto de Bienestar Integral and the Hope Circuit meeting.
**ABOUT HOPE CIRCUIT
Hope Circuit is the international meeting that brings together the most recognized leaders in the fields of integral wellness, happiness and human progress; which will take place on November 23rd and 24th at the Westin Hotel in Santa Fe, as the first of other actions that seek to create a more positive future for Mexico. In the next publications we will share practical tools and findings of world leaders who will be at Hope Circuit, such as Dr. Martin Seligman, considered one of the most influential psychologists of our times; Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, professor of the most popular course at Harvaro University Andrew Schwartz, director of the World Wellbeing Project, in order to challenge the status quo and enrich our community so that together we can find solutions that will help us build a future of greater optimism, empathy and hope.
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The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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