Mental health crisis in Puerto Rico: Hospital urges greater awareness and prevention

From left, Peter González, Marta Rivera Plaza and Dayana Velázquez of the San Juan Capestrano Hospital System

By THE STAR STAFF

The San Juan Capestrano Hospital System is calling on everyone living in Puerto Rico to prioritize mental health education and suicide prevention, as alarming statistics reveal a deepening crisis across the island.

According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, 190 suicides were reported in 2022, translating to 5.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. From 2000 to 2024, over 7,000 individuals have taken their own lives. In 2025, media outlets estimate between 120 and 130 suicides so far, with projections suggesting the year could close with up to 190 cases. Notably, 85% of those deaths involve men, primarily aged 40 to 59. Rising suicide rates among youth and LGBTQ+ individuals are also cause for concern, with The Trevor Project’s 2024 report indicating that 30% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide and 18% have attempted it.

Experts cite major depression, anxiety, social isolation, economic stress, substance abuse, and untreated psychotic disorders as key contributors to suicidal behavior. Persistent stigma and fear of seeking help, coupled with a lack of emotional education, continue to hinder early intervention.

From January to October of this year, San Juan Capestrano Hospital provided specialized care to thousands of patients, discharging 5,539 individuals treated for conditions such as severe recurrent major depression, unspecified psychosis, schizoaffective bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Hospital officials say those numbers reflect a growing willingness to seek professional help and highlight the importance of early intervention.

The hospital has also launched robust community programs focused on education, art and prevention. Among its initiatives:

The First Mental Health Summit of Puerto Rico, held in partnership with Toro Verde Parks, government agencies, and over 40 brands committed to emotional well-being.

“Colors of a Healthy Mind”, an art exhibition at the Puerto Rico Museum of Art featuring works by 106 youth aged 12 to 17, inspired by themes of mental health, resilience and hope.

“These efforts aim to break stigma, normalize conversations around mental health, and bring resources closer to communities,” said Marta Rivera Plaza, CEO of the San Juan Capestrano Hospital System. “We urge all mental health entities on the island to mobilize their teams and work alongside government, private sector, and community institutions to address the severity of the issue.”

Rivera Plaza emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and responding with empathy.

“Many people who died by suicide gave a cry for help that went unnoticed,” she said. “The greatest obstacle to prevention is the fear of speaking up. Shame keeps people silent, and that silence can cost lives. We must learn how to ask, how to listen, and how to support — because speaking with sensitivity and knowledge can mean the difference between losing or saving a life.”