A recent publication by the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires provides practical guidance for recognising warning signs of suicidal behaviour in young people, emphasising the importance of timely intervention to save lives.
When a young person says they do not want to go on living, when a friend sends a farewell message or when relatives sense that something has shifted but do not know how to raise the subject, silence can become dangerous. A brief guide published by the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires sets out how to spot warning signs of suicide risk in young people and how to respond without delay. The document is aimed primarily at health professionals, but it also offers useful pointers for families, friends and institutions trying to support someone in crisis.
The guide, titled “Guía breve para la prevención, detección y abordaje de la conducta suicida en jóvenes”, was developed by a team from the university led by Martín Etchevers. According to accounts of the publication, it was presented in September 2026 and brings together criteria and practical tools designed to help professionals recognise risk earlier and act more effectively. The authors say the aim is to unify how warning signs are identified in adolescents and young adults, and to encourage responses that do not rely on improvisation.
Its central message is that suicidal behaviour is rarely explained by a single cause. Instead, the guide stresses the interaction of multiple factors, which is why prevention depends on attentive listening, access to professional help and the presence of trusted support networks. The document also reflects a broader public-health concern: between April 2023 and October 2025, Argentina’s National Health Surveillance System recorded 22,249 suicide-related events, a figure cited in coverage of the guide as evidence of the urgency of earlier detection and intervention.
For parents and caregivers, the practical implication is clear. A change in mood, a withdrawal from friends, a sudden goodbye, or a message that sounds final should not be dismissed as a phase or a bid for attention. The guide argues that these signals warrant calm, direct conversation and, when needed, rapid referral to mental-health professionals. In schools and other institutions, the same approach can help staff respond sooner, reducing the risk that a moment of crisis turns into a tragedy.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
