{
  "id": 9974478,
  "title": "Torrevieja Congress Urges Open, Responsible Conversation About Suicide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/torrevieja-congress-urges-open-responsible-conversation-about-suicide",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-26T11:45:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Leader",
    "slug": "the-leader",
    "url": "https://theleader.info/2026/09/26/torrevieja-congress-urges-open-responsible-conversation-about-suicide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mental health experts gathered in Torrevieja to advocate for open and responsible discussions surrounding suicide, highlighting the importance of available support for those in crisis. This was the focal point of the fifth national congress of the Spanish Society of Suicidology, which took place at the city's International Auditorium on September 25th. The event, themed \"Diversity, Science and Comprehensive Prevention,\" brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and families to discuss methods for preventing suicidal behavior and supporting those affected.\n\nOne session examined the impact of media coverage on suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Specialists discussed the Werther effect, referring to the risk associated with sensational or inappropriate reporting, in contrast to the Papageno effect, which highlights the positive influence of accounts of coping, help, and recovery that encourage individuals to seek assistance. The key takeaway was that refraining from conversation about suicide is not the solution. Instead, responsible reporting can demonstrate that alternatives and support exist.\n\nThe congress also addressed the potential role of artificial intelligence in prevention efforts, the connection between psychosis, substance use, and suicide risk, intervention strategies within the Armed Forces, and the effects of stigma on LGBTQ+ individuals. A session introduced the Valencian Community's Acompaña service, which provides support to individuals affected by suicidal behavior and their families. The program concluded with a practical workshop on clinical assessment.\n\nStatistics presented during the event emphasized the scale of the challenge: 169 suicides were reported in Alicante province in 2025, compared to 176 in 2024. Jesús Mesones, head of psychiatry at Torrevieja University Hospital, expressed particular concern for young people, emphasizing the importance of early detection, ongoing care, and family support. Experts identified pressures such as bullying, trauma, depression, and substance use as contributing factors to vulnerability. They called for concerns to be taken seriously, for help to be accessible, and for conversations about suicide to clearly communicate that individuals do not need to face a crisis alone.",
  "summary": "Mental health specialists meeting in Torrevieja have called for suicide to be discussed openly and responsibly, with greater emphasis on the support available to people in crisis. The message was central to the fifth national congress of the Spanish Society of Suicidology, held at the city’s International Auditorium on Friday, 25 September. Under the theme […] The post Torrevieja Congress Urges…",
  "key_points": [
    "Mental health experts advocate open, responsible suicide discussions",
    "Fifth national congress held in Torrevieja on September 25th",
    "Worries about young people's vulnerability and need for support"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}