Title Details

Suicide has always existed, but will it always be a part of the human experience? Should the “right” to suicide be assured? Or on the contrary, should society increasingly get involved in trying to avoid suicidal behavior? In 'Suicide and its Prevention', Dr. José Manoel Bertolote, who received the Ringel Service Award from the International Association for Suicide Prevention, a body of the World Health Organization (WHO), addresses the issue analytically and from the preventive point of view, through a holistic perspective on the causes of suicidal behavior. He rescues the ways mankind has interpreted suicide throughout history and integrates these visions, creating a biopsychosocial paradigm that combines cultural aspects and their influence on suicidal behavior in different countries.

In this work, on a somewhat taboo subject, the author argues that it is possible to identify those presenting suicidal behavior and help them overcome the situation that could lead to the end of their lives. He replicates and comments on suicide prevention programs recently created by the United Nations and WHO, where he coordinated the team of mental and neurological disorders. Adopted by several countries, these programs are especially aimed at health, education and media professionals.