Analysis of the Economic and Social Costs of Suicide in Yucatán, Mexico: An Approach for the Design of Postvention Public Policy

Suicide is a public health problem that, despite having prevention programs, rates are rising every year in Mexico. But beyond this situation, there is a little studied and analyzed issue: the economic and social costs that are generated after the suicide of a person, and that have repercussions on the family nucleus and society. The expenses associated with this type of death can last for years and considerably reduce the family income and, therefore, the quality of life of the survivors of suicide. The short- and long-term costs destabilize the economy of families and have long-term negative consequences for them, as well as for the business sector and society. The professional interest in this research stems from the current lack of information regarding the aforementioned consequences and the absence of public policies addressing them. This oversight in the political agenda may be attributed to the limited in-depth studies on the practical consequences of suicide within families, as well as in business and social spheres. The continuation of this research has the potential to foster greater recognition of this widespread issue. Keywords: suicide, economic costs, survivors