There is a suicide in Bogota every 33 hours, according to a report released by a government institution based in Colombia’s capital city.
Veeduría Distrita, a governmental body that researches social trends, stated in its Security Conditions in Bogota report that suicide rates are on the rise in Bogota.
According to the report, 262 people suicided in 2008, 43 more than in 2007 and 74 more than in 2006.
More than 50 percent of suicides were done by hanging and 20 percent by a firearm.
Of the 262 reported cases, 212 were men and 50 were women.
The most age group most vulnerable to suicide is that of 20-29 year olds.
According to the report, the main triggers for suicide are romantic and economic problems. Suicide attempts were reproted to rise in times of economi crisis. The Bogota Menatal Health Line registered an increase in suicide calls following the collapse of the DMG pyramid scheme in November 2008.
Colombian Secretary for Health Hector Zambrano said that attempted suicides increased by 20 percent at that time.